Description
Herb and Feta Olive Oil Dip packed with fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese, perfect for quick and tasty appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240ml) high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz (226g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons (11g) fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (7g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons (7g) fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (3g) fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (2g) lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (3g) red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, crumble the feta cheese into small, irregular pieces—some fine and some slightly larger for textural contrast. The varied sizes create interest in the finished Herb and Feta Olive Oil Dip. Don’t over-crumble; you want distinct pieces rather than a paste.
- Step 2: Finely chop all herbs, ensuring they’re dry before cutting. Any moisture will dilute the olive oil and compromise the dip’s texture. Combine the dill, parsley, mint, and oregano in a small bowl, then add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The brief whisking incorporates air, creating a slightly lighter mouthfeel in the finished dip. Pour this mixture over the herbs and stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Add the herb-oil mixture to the crumbled feta and fold together using a silicone spatula. Use a light touch to maintain the feta’s texture—overworking will cause it to break down too much. The goal is to coat the cheese while keeping distinct pieces visible throughout the Herb and Feta Olive Oil Dip.
- Step 5: Transfer to a shallow serving dish where the beautiful ingredients can be displayed. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving (or refrigerate if preparing more than 2 hours ahead, then bring back to room temperature). This resting period allows flavors to meld and herbs to fully infuse the oil.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 220 calories per serving
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg