This whipped feta dip recipe is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors including feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon, and olive oil. It’s a great alternative (or accompaniment) to hummus and other dips when putting together a charcuterie board or hosting friends.
While the exact origins of whipped feta are unknown, it’s been a popular trend on social media due to the ease in which it comes together and the tangy, robust flavor. I first tried whipped feta when our food stylist for TV cooking demos recommended it for one of our segments on HSN. And it was SO good everyone on set wanted their own bowl.
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Mediterranean Influence: Feta Cheese
What makes whipped feta so irresistible? It’s all about that Mediterranean influence. From the salty tang of the feta cheese, to the bright zest of lemon juice and the aromatic notes of garlic and olive oil, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, yogurt, and herbs, serves as the inspiration behind this mouthwatering dip. Not only is whipped feta delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and health benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients For Whipped Feta
Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need to make whipped feta. Together, these ingredients work in perfect harmony to create a whipped feta dip that’s creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a distinctive saltiness and tanginess that perfectly balances the other ingredients. Its crumbly texture becomes more velvety when whipped. It is best to use an 8-ounce block, not crumbled, of feta cheese in this recipe. Reduced fat feta can also be used.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt works as a creamy base for this whipped feta. It also adds a subtle tanginess that harmonizes with the salty notes of the cheese. Using an unflavored variety is best, not taking away from the feta flavor. This recipe used 5% milkfat Greek yogurt, but your preferred variety can be used. Greek yogurt also adds a boost of protein and probiotics, making it a nutritious addition.
Olive Oil: Olive oil not only adds richness and depth of flavor to whipped feta dip but also contributes to its creamy texture. When blended with the feta cheese and Greek yogurt, olive oil helps create a silky-smooth consistency.
Lemon Juice: Zesty and refreshing, lemon juice brightens up the flavors of whipped feta dip with its vibrant citrus notes. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to make whipped feta, bottled lemon juice can sometimes give a metallic flavor. For an extra pop of lemon, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
Garlic Clove: Using 1 grated garlic clove gives this dip a hint of garlic flavor without being overpowering. It’s a flavor powerhouse that adds depth and complexity to whipped feta dip.
Whipped Feta Garnishes
While this creamy concoction is delicious on its own, it also serves as the perfect canvas for a variety of tasty toppings and accompaniments. Garnishes are optional, but feel free to get creative with your favorites below:
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness to whipped feta dip.Your preferred fresh herb can be used as a garnish for this dip. Finely chopped parsley, dill, basil, or mint can be used if desired.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spice to whipped feta but can be omitted if desired. Top with freshly ground black pepper for a milder option.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts are a common addition to whipped feta. Finely chopped pine nuts or almonds can be used in place of pistachios for garnish. Crunchy and nutty, chopped pistachios provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth and creamy whipped feta dip.
Whipped Feta Drizzles
To add a bit of extra flavor, depth, and shine to your whipped feta dip, consider drizzling just a little bit of one of these ingredients on top.
- Drizzle of Honey: A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness and indulgence to whipped feta dip, balancing out the savory and tangy flavors with its natural sweetness.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: Olive oil isn’t just an ingredient in the whipped feta dip; it’s also a fantastic garnish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a luxurious sheen and a burst of fruity flavor to the dish. The smooth richness of the olive oil complements the creamy texture of the whipped feta, while its fruity and slightly peppery notes enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Drizzle of Lemon Juice: A final drizzle of lemon juice adds a bright and zesty finish to whipped feta dip, refreshing the palate and enhancing the flavors of the dish. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the feta cheese and olive oil, balancing out the flavors and adding a burst of freshness. (Don’t forget a few slices of lemon too!)
How To Make Whipped Feta: 3 Easy Steps
1 – Begin by crumbling the feta cheese into a food processor or blender. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic clove to the feta cheese.
2 – Pulse the ingredients until smooth and creamy (about 30-90 seconds), scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula or spoon as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
3 – Transfer the whipped feta dip to a shallow serving bowl and give it a swirl with a spoon. Then add your favorite garnish. We topped ours here with fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and pistachios for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.
Serve whipped feta alongside toasted crostini, pita chips, or crackers. Fresh vegetables go well with it as well, cucumbers, bell pepper strips, tomatoes, or olives can all be served alongside.
Want to make sure your whipped feta turns out amazing? Follow our recipe notes below.
Whipped Feta Recipe Notes
- Whipped feta can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
- When making whipped feta ahead of time, store ungarnished in the refrigerator until ready to use. It will thicken when refrigerated, stir to loosen, place in a shallow bowl and garnish right before serving.
- Feta Cheese – It is best to use an 8-ounce block, not crumbled, of feta cheese in this recipe. Reduced fat feta can also be used in this recipe.
- Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt works as a creamy base for this recipe. Using an unflavored variety is best, not taking away from the feta flavor. This recipe used 5% milkfat Greek yogurt, but your preferred variety can be used.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil adds flavor and helps make the mixture smooth. Garnish whipped feta with an additional 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
- Lemon Juice – Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to make whipped feta, bottled lemon juice can sometimes give a metallic flavor. For an extra pop of lemon, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
- Garlic – Using 1 grated garlic clove gives this dip a hint of garlic flavor without being overpowering.
- Herbs – Your preferred fresh herb can be used as a garnish for this dip. Finely chopped parsley, dill, basil, or mint can be used if desired.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spice to whipped feta but can be omitted if desired. Top with freshly ground black pepper for a milder option.
- Nuts – Chopped nuts are a common addition to whipped feta. Finely chopped pine nuts or almonds can be used in place of pistachios for garnish.
Serving Suggestions: Let’s Get Dipping!
While this whipped feta is so go you could certainly eat it with spoon (I’ve been tempted before). Let’s talk about what you can add to the plate to use as dippers. While pita chips are a classic choice, there are plenty of other options to explore.
Try serving your dip with crunchy crudité, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, for a refreshing and nutritious snack. Or, if you’re craving something heartier, spread it onto toasted crostini or crackers for a satisfying bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply indulging in a cozy night in, whipped feta is sure to elevate any occasion with its creamy texture and bold flavors. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let your taste buds take a trip to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Variations
For a fresh and vibrant twist, try topping your whipped feta dip with sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like dill or mint, and a handful of juicy cherry tomatoes or briny olives. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different variations? Add roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness, or incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. For the holidays, you could even make a cranberry whipped feta for something festive. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Whipped Feta Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Parsley for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
- Pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add feta, yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Grate in garlic clove.
- Process for 30-45 seconds, scrape down the sides of the bowl, process for an additional 30-60 seconds, or until smooth, scraping down the bowl if necessary.
- Place mixture in a shallow bowl, garnish with olive oil, chopped parsley, pistachios, and red pepper flakes if desired, serve. Recipe makes 1 ½ cups.
Notes
- Whipped feta can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
- When making whipped feta ahead of time, store ungarnished in the refrigerator until ready to use. Whipped feta will thicken when refrigerated, stir to loosen, place in a shallow bowl and garnish right before serving.
- Serve whipped feta alongside toasted crostini, pita chips, or crackers. Fresh vegetables go well with whipped feta as well, cucumbers, bell pepper strips, tomatoes, or olives can all be served alongside.
- Feta Cheese- It is best to use an 8-ounce block, not crumbled, of feta cheese in this recipe. Reduced fat feta can also be used in this recipe.
- Greek Yogurt- Greek yogurt works as a creamy base for this whipped feta. Using an unflavored variety is best, not taking away from the feta flavor. This recipe used 5% milkfat Greek yogurt, but your preferred variety can be used.
- Olive Oil- Olive oil adds flavor and helps make the mixture smooth. Garnish whipped feta with an additional 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
- Lemon Juice- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to make whipped feta, bottled lemon juice can sometimes give a metallic flavor. For an extra pop of lemon, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
- Garlic- Using 1 grated garlic clove gives this dip a hint of garlic flavor without being overpowering.
- Herbs- Your preferred fresh herb can be used as a garnish for this dip. Finely chopped parsley, dill, basil, or mint can be used if desired.
- Red Pepper Flakes- Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spice to whipped feta but can be omitted if desired. Top with freshly ground black pepper for a milder option.
- Nuts- Chopped nuts are a common addition to whipped feta. Finely chopped pine nuts or almonds can be used in place of pistachios for garnish.
Anna-Marie Walsh says
This is so simple to throw together! I did add one extra garlic clove and it was delicious! The hubby and I made some lamb meatballs and a little Greek salad and it was such a great meal!! OPA!
Michelle Keller says
My 12 year old daughter and I made this, it was so quick and easy and delicious! I will definitely be making this for my next get together!