Layered Mediterranean Dip (Fourth of July)

A fun, festive, and totally delicious dip that will be the star of the show at your fourth of July party this year!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword Fourth of July Dip, Mediterranean Dip

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings people

Calories 426kcal

Combine cream cheese, feta cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish), sour cream, and lemon juice in a large bowl using a mixer. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread one half of the cheese mixture into the bottom of a 9x13" pan.
Spread basil pesto evenly over the cheese mixture and top with the remaining cheese mixture, spreading evenly into the pan.
Sprinkle California Black Ripe Olives over the top of the dip, arranging more in the upper-left-hand corner to make the square for the "stars".
Combine the chopped red bell pepper and tomatoes in a bowl and arrange into stripes on top of the black olives, alternating with rows of sliced mozzarella balls. Make 4 rows of each.
Sprinkle reserved feta cheese over the olive "stars" and serve with pita chips, sliced pita or fresh vegetables.

Tips For Making The Perfect Dip:

Use a hand or stand mixer to mix the cheese mixture for a smooth and light dip base. It can absolutely be mixed by hand if you don't have a mixer but I find the dip is lighter and smoother if done with a mixer.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese balls can be found in the most grocery stores in the specialty cheese section. I like to buy mine at Costco for the best price. Cut each ball in half and slightly shingle against one another for a solid stripe.
Using prepared basil pesto makes preparing this dip quick and easy. Not to be a commercial for Costco once again, but I use and like their brand of pesto for both the flavor and price.
When decorating use 4 rows of both the pepper/tomato mix and mozzarella balls for the best proportionate look to your flag.
I love this dip served with crunchy pita chips, warm pitas sliced into triangles or fresh veggies.