Save A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This platter has become a holiday tradition in my family backgrounds every winter gathering with its charming presentation and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 200 g cream cheese: softened
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt:
- 1/4 tsp salt:
- Pinch of white pepper:
- 1 small carrot: for beak and feet
- 2 black peppercorns: for eyes
- 150 g green olives: pitted
- 150 g black olives: pitted
- 100 g Kalamata olives: pitted
- 100 g cherry tomatoes: halved
- 1 small cucumber: sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: for garnish and olive branches
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving platter, mound the cheese mixture into the shape of a dove, using a spatula or spoon. Smooth the surface gently.
- Step 3:
- Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the doves beak and two tiny pieces for the feet. Place them appropriately on the dove shape.
- Step 4:
- Press the black peppercorns onto the dove for the eyes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the green, black, and Kalamata olives in clusters around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
- Step 6:
- Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices artistically around the platter for color and freshness.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle the olives and vegetables lightly with olive oil.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches in the doves beak or around the platter.
- Step 9:
- Chill until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.
Save Serving this platter always brings smiles and warm conversations around our holiday table.
Notes
Serve alongside gluten-free crackers for a fully gluten-free platter. Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, small mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cream cheese, yogurt. Check olive packaging for possible allergen cross-contamination. Gluten-free if served without bread or crackers or with gluten-free options.
Save This Peace Dove Olive Platter will impress guests with its holiday charm and fresh flavors making it a perfect festive appetizer.
Common Questions
- → How is the dove shape created?
The dove is formed by molding a smooth blend of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper into a dove shape using a spatula or spoon. Carrot pieces and black peppercorns add details for the beak, feet, and eyes.
- → Which olives are used in the platter?
The platter features green, black, and Kalamata olives arranged creatively around the dove for a festive presentation.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the platter can be assembled in advance and chilled until ready to serve, making it ideal for holiday prep.
- → Are there any recommended garnishes?
Fresh rosemary sprigs are used to mimic olive branches and enhance the visual appeal, accented by cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free when served without bread or with gluten-free options, accommodating diverse dietary preferences.
- → What tools are needed to create this platter?
A large serving platter, small mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, and a sharp knife are sufficient for assembly.