Description
This refreshing dip features creamy whipped feta cheese blended with garlic and olive oil, then combined with fresh diced tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper for a flavorful and easy appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (about 4–6 oz) Feta cheese, coarsely crumbled or diced (preferably block feta in brine)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling (optional)
- Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 large ripe tomato, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cucumber (English or Persian recommended), diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (or parsley/dill/mint)
- Salt, to taste (optional, feta is salty)
- Tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Whip Feta Base: Add the crumbled feta cheese, peeled garlic cloves, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer to Bowl: Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a serving bowl.
- Add Vegetables and Lemon Juice: Add the diced tomato, diced cucumber, and diced green bell pepper to the whipped feta. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- Combine Gently: Stir the vegetables and lemon juice into the whipped feta gently, until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dip and season with additional black pepper or salt, if needed (feta is usually salty, so taste first). Drizzle with a little more olive oil, if desired, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Feta Cheese: Use block feta packed in brine for the best creamy texture and flavor. Pre-crumbled feta can be drier.
- Vegetables: Seed the tomato before dicing to prevent excess moisture. English or Persian cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
- Blending: A food processor creates the smoothest whipped feta. You could potentially mash vigorously with a fork, but the texture won’t be as airy.
- Herbs: Cilantro is listed, but feel free to substitute or add other fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint.
- Storage: This dip is best served fresh, as the vegetables will release moisture over time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.