Peace Dove Olive Platter

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Bites

This centerpiece features a creamy cheese shaped into a dove, decorated with carrot details and black peppercorn eyes. Surrounding it is a vibrant mix of green, black, and Kalamata olives, accented with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and fresh rosemary. Lightly drizzled with olive oil, this platter offers a fresh, colorful touch perfect for holiday gatherings. Preparation is simple and quick with no cooking required, making it an easy and elegant addition to any table.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:49:00 GMT
Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter with a creamy cheese dove surrounded by vibrant olives. Save to Pinterest
Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter with a creamy cheese dove surrounded by vibrant olives. | snackandmack.com

A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.

This olive platter has become a beloved tradition at our holiday parties, impressing guests with its charm and flavor.

Ingredients

  • For the Dove: 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)
  • For the Olive Platter: 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.
Festive Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter, visually stunning and perfect for holiday appetizers. Save to Pinterest
Festive Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter, visually stunning and perfect for holiday appetizers. | snackandmack.com

Our family has enjoyed this platter every holiday season, gathering around to admire the dove and share stories.

Notes

Use a piping bag for more detailed shaping of the dove if desired. Swap in herbed goat cheese for a tangier flavor. 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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 155, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 4 g per serving.

This appetizing Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter features olives artistically arranged around a cheese dove. Save to Pinterest
This appetizing Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter features olives artistically arranged around a cheese dove. | snackandmack.com

This Peace Dove Christmas Olive Platter is sure to brighten your holiday table with its beauty and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

How is the dove shape created?

The dove shape is formed by molding a soft cream cheese and yogurt mixture on a serving platter, then decorated with carrot pieces for the beak and feet, and black peppercorns for the eyes.

What types of olives are used in the platter?

Green, black, and Kalamata olives are arranged around the dove to create a festive and colorful border resembling olive branches.

Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes, it is vegetarian and gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free crackers. It contains dairy, so it may not suit those with dairy allergies.

How should the platter be served?

Chill the platter until ready to serve. It pairs well with crackers or sliced baguette for easy enjoyment at gatherings.

Are there any tips for shaping the cheese dove?

Using a piping bag allows for more detailed shaping and smoother surfaces, enhancing the dove's appearance.

Peace Dove Olive Platter

A festive dove-shaped cheese centerpiece paired with assorted olives and fresh vegetable garnishes.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 min
Overall Time
21 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Sweet & Salty Bites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Output 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Dove

01 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
03 1/4 tsp salt
04 Pinch white pepper
05 1 small carrot, for beak and feet
06 2 black peppercorns, for eyes

Olive Platter

01 5.3 oz green olives, pitted
02 5.3 oz black olives, pitted
03 3.5 oz Kalamata olives, pitted
04 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
05 1 small cucumber, sliced
06 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Prepare cheese mixture: Combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.

Step 02

Shape the dove: On a large serving platter, shape the cheese mixture into a dove using a spatula or spoon, smoothing the surface gently.

Step 03

Add facial features: Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the beak and two small pieces for the feet; position them on the dove shape.

Step 04

Create eyes: Press two black peppercorns onto the dove to form the eyes.

Step 05

Arrange olives: Cluster the green, black, and Kalamata olives around the dove to form branches and a decorative border.

Step 06

Add vegetables: Distribute cherry tomato halves and cucumber slices around the platter for color and freshness.

Step 07

Drizzle olive oil: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the olives and vegetables.

Step 08

Garnish: Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches held by the dove or placed around the platter.

Step 09

Chill before serving: Refrigerate the assembled platter until ready to serve; accompany with crackers or sliced baguette as desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Large serving platter
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy from cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
  • Check olive packaging for potential allergen cross-contamination.
  • Gluten-free if served without bread or with gluten-free crackers.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 155
  • Fat Content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Proteins: 4 g