5 Minute Creamy Whipped Feta L The Mediterranean Dish

An easy whipped feta dip

It’s my belief that feta cheese makes almost anything better, from a few pieces of crumbled feta atop a fresh salad to a grilled cheese sandwich, and don’t get me started on the flavor revelation which watermelon and feta! There is something about rich, briny feta that can transform a simple dish. As far as feta appetizers and dips, baked feta, tirokafteri (spicy Greek feta dip), and loaded feta dip are definitely up there for me. Today’s whipped feta is another amazing option that’s sure to please a crowd! Instead, this recipe combines feta cheese (I like to use blocks of feta stored in brine) with thick Greek yogurt and extra virgin olive oil to produce a fluffy and creamy whipped feta dip in 5 minutes! And the possibilities for how to serve it are endless!

Why this feta dip works?

While many whipped feta recipes use cream cheese or sour cream as the base of the dip, I like to use whole milk Greek yogurt, which is more in line with the Mediterranean way of eating. Greek yogurt balances and tames the saltiness of feta, while lending just enough tang and a smooth texture! It does not hurt to use a bit of good extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavor and enhance the silky, rich finish.

What you’ll need

This easy feta recipe is made with high-quality feta, Greek yogurt and just a handful of additional ingredients to finish. Here are the ingredients I used to make it:

Feta Cheese – Use a block of good quality feta that’s been refrigerated in the brine. Do not use already crumbled feta, which tends to be too salty and dry. Greek yogurt – Whole milk Greek yogurt will give you extra smooth, creamy dip the dip. Use a plain, unflavored Greek yogurt. Lemon Zest – The zest of one lemon is blended with the feta and yogurt. Extra Virgin Olive oil – Adds to the feta during blending to help create the smooth, rich texture and also added for serving for extra flavor and nutrition. For a recipe like this, I like to use more robust EVOO with a peppery finish such as Early Harvest Greek EVOO or Hojiblanca Spanish EVOO. Herbs & Spices to finish (optional. This is where you can get creative and jazz up the dip however you like. I used a combination of Aleppo pepper, fresh mint and fresh parsley to add some bright and fresh flavors. Nuts (optional) – Nuts are another little way to add texture and elevate the presentation, but these are optional. I used toasted pine nuts and crushed pistachios are added before serving for added crunch and flavor.

How to make whipped feta

This whipped feta dip takes 5 minutes two steps to make! It’s literally a matter of whipping everything together in a food processor and then adding a few items to garnish and serve. Here’s how:

Whip the feta. Combine the feta, Greek yogurt and lemon zest in a food processor and blend. While the processor is running, drizzle the olive oil through the top opening, until the feta is whipped to a smooth texture. Garnish and Serve! Transfer the feta dip to a serving plate and smooth the top of the feta, making a well in the middle. Drizzle more olive oil all over and add the Aleppo pepper, herbs, and nuts. Serve with pita chips or pita wedges.

Tips for success

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing ingredients and preparing your whipped feta:

Use high quality feta cheese. For this recipe, you want to look for a block of a creamy Greek feta. Avoid crumbled feta, which is too dry and won’t taste as good in this recipe. French or Bulgarian white cheese are also good options – they’re similar to feta but can’t be called feta as Greece has the PDO for “feta”. Use quality olive oil. Olive oil is used twice in this recipe, so you want to be sure you’re using a high quality, good tasting oil that is going to add flavor and richness to the dip. If you skimp on a cheap brand, you will be able to taste the difference. Here are on my go-to olive oils. And like I mentioned earlier, if you like a robust, more peppery oil to finish the dish with big flavor, try Early Harvest Greek EVOO or Hojiblanca Spanish EVOO. Serve immediately. While leftovers will last in the fridge, take full advantage of the whipped, creamy goodness by enjoying this feta dip immediately after preparing. Once it chills in the fridge, the texture will thicken.

Topping options to serve with whipped feta

There is nothing wrong with serving a simple whipped feta with a side of crunchy homemade pita chips or crispy Greek breadsticks. But you can also use this dip as a creamy bed for things like:

Roasted tomatoes Lemony Roasted Broccoli Dukkah! Egypt’s famous blend of nuts, seeds and warm spices. Or small bits of preserved lemons to amp up the citrus! Shrimp Kabobs or Chicken Kabobs for a fun entree!

How to store leftovers

Plain whipped feta will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let leftovers come to room temperature before trying to dip your pita or veggies. Looking for another amazing feta dip? This artichoke dip with feta is a MUST try!