Nutty Olive Cheese Log — an easy, flavorful cheese log that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual summer entertaining.
Hello! I’m still enjoying my time in California, catching up with friends, sampling great restaurants, and keeping the kids busy. I have a couple more guest posts lined up this week, including a sweet treat midweek, and I’m excited to share the first one today. I’m pleased to introduce Dianna from The Kitchen Prep, who generously contributed this crowd-pleasing recipe.
I met Dianna at a food blogging conference and we immediately hit it off — chatting about blogging, food, and everything in between. Dianna is warm, talented, and a creative force in the kitchen. Her blog features a variety of approachable yet impressive recipes, from wholesome quinoa bowls and lean turkey lettuce wraps to indulgent espresso caramel bars and bright, herby turkey burgers. She also organized a fun ice cream social to celebrate National Ice Cream Month, showcasing several imaginative frozen treats.
Dianna’s style aligns with mine: dishes that look and taste special without being fussy. That balance—simple preparation with memorable results—is exactly what makes this Nutty Olive Cheese Log a winner. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and it travels well, making it ideal for summer parties, casual get-togethers, or holiday appetizer spreads.
This cheese log is a refreshing fusion of creamy, salty, and crunchy textures. The base is a smooth cream cheese blended with chopped Spanish-style green olives and a hint of onion powder, then chilled and rolled in chopped walnuts and fresh chives for a bright, nutty exterior. It’s a great make-ahead appetizer because it benefits from a short chill to firm up, and you can change the coating or mix-ins to suit your taste: swap walnuts for pecans or pistachios, add chopped roasted red peppers, or stir in fresh herbs or a touch of lemon zest.
A small, personal anecdote: the first time I took this cheese log somewhere, it tumbled off the plate while I was carrying it across a parking lot. A group of opportunistic ducks made a quick, noisy dining decision and enjoyed the unexpected snack. It’s safe to say the recipe was duck-approved, even if not intended for wildlife catering!
The best part is how adaptable this cheese log is. It’s no-bake, no-fuss, and ready in minutes. Use it as a centerpiece on a cheese board with crackers, pita chips, or crunchy vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed summer barbecue or assembling holiday appetizers, this Nutty Olive Cheese Log is an effortless, flavorful choice.
Nutty Olive Cheese Log from The Kitchen Prep
Course: Appetizer or Snack
Author: Dianna from The Kitchen Prep
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Spanish-style green olives with pimentos, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, mayonnaise, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log or a ball. Wrapping it makes shaping cleaner and easier. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour so it firms up.
- On a plate or shallow dish, combine the chopped walnuts and chopped chives. When the cheese mixture is chilled and firm, roll it in the walnut-chive mixture until it’s evenly coated.
- Keep the cheese log refrigerated until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
This recipe is slightly adapted from Southern Living. It’s a versatile, make-ahead appetizer that works well year-round—especially during warm weather when you want to avoid turning on the oven. Try different nuts, herbs, or mix-ins to make it your own.
Thank you, Dianna, for this lovely guest post and for sharing a go-to appetizer that’s equal parts easy and elegant.
