Whipped Feta Dip
Introduction
There’s something instantly intoxicating about the tangy, salty perfume of whipped feta—bright lemon notes and a whisper of garlic lift the salty creaminess, while a glossy ribbon of olive oil adds a silky sheen. The first spoonful is both airy and dense: whipped into clouds but with satisfying body, a little heat from red pepper flakes and a hint of honey cutting through the savoriness. It’s the kind of dip that elicits audible sighs around a crowded table and quiet, guilty smiles when you scoop it onto a piece of toast for breakfast.
This whipped feta is perfect for casual gatherings, late-night snacking, brunch spreads, or for turning simple roasted vegetables into something celebratory. If you love contrast—the sweet-salty interplay of honey and feta—you might enjoy a nutty twist in our honey-pistachio whipped feta variation here: honey-pistachio whipped feta variation.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-cook recipe)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 (as an appetizer)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and entertaining
Nutritional Breakdown
Estimated nutrition per serving (serves 6). Values are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central entries for common ingredients (feta cheese, plain whole-milk Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, honey). Use these as a guideline if you require precise counts for dietary tracking.
- Calories: ~203 kcal
- Protein: ~8.0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5.5 g
- Fat: ~16.4 g
- Sodium: ~360 mg
Notes on sources and accuracy: nutrient estimates above were calculated from standard ingredient profiles in the USDA FoodData Central database and are suitable for general nutritional planning. For medical or strict diet needs, consult a registered dietitian or verified nutrition tool. (Trusted sources include USDA FoodData Central, Mayo Clinic, and CDC food safety guidelines.)
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe shines because it brings contrast and convenience together. The bright acidity of lemon and the gentle heat of red pepper flakes elevate the deeply savory, creamy feta into something lively and shareable. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels sophisticated but takes just minutes to assemble—perfect for last-minute guests, potlucks, or those nights when you want an impressive appetizer with minimal fuss. It’s also flexible: swap in herbs or olives for seasonal variations, or use it as a sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled fish.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (about 160 g)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, finely diced, for garnish
Optional ingredients and substitutions: - For vegan: use a plant-based feta-style cheese (or marinated firm tofu) and replace honey with maple syrup. Use a neutral vegan yogurt or silken tofu for creaminess.
- To reduce sodium: rinse brined feta under cold water and pat dry, or use a lower-sodium feta.
- Add-ins: roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, or fresh dill.
- Swap Greek yogurt for labneh for a tangier, thicker texture.
Method & Process
- Let the feta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly—this helps it blend into a silkier texture.
- In a food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and honey.
- Pulse to combine, then blend on medium speed until very smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure even mixing.
- Taste and adjust: add more lemon for brightness, a pinch more red pepper flakes for heat, or a drizzle more honey if you’d like sweeter contrast.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and diced parsley. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Practical tips:
- Don’t overblend: excessive processing can warm the dip and make the texture slightly greasy; stop when it’s smooth and still cool.
- If the mixture is too thick, thin it with a teaspoon or two of cold water or more lemon juice.
- For an ultra-smooth finish, press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer after blending (optional).
Best Pairings
- Classic dippers: warm pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or grilled flatbread.
- Fresh vegetables: cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips.
- As a spread: smear on sandwiches, grain bowls, or gyros.
- Sauce or condiment: spoon over roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, or toss with hot cooked pasta for a quick, creamy sauce. For a heartier pairing, serve alongside Greek roasted potatoes with whipped feta for a show-stopping plate: Greek roasted potatoes with whipped feta.
- Breakfast twist: use as a savory topping for avocado toast or scrambled eggs.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Room temperature: Not recommended for extended periods. Per USDA food safety guidance, dairy-based dips should not be left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F / 32°C).
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Cover the surface with a thin film of olive oil to help prevent drying.
- Freezer: Freezing is possible but will change texture (may separate slightly upon thawing). Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and whisk or re-blend briefly to restore creaminess.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Best feta: choose block-style feta (not pre-crumbled) for a creamier result—blocks are generally less dry.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly—allow the feta and yogurt to sit briefly out of the fridge.
- Olive oil quality matters: use a good extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor; it’s one of the final touches and you’ll taste it.
- Heat control: start with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and add more to taste; a little goes a long way.
- Salt adjustment: many fetas are quite salty—taste before adding any additional salt. If you’re using low-sodium feta, you may need a pinch of salt to brighten flavors.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- Honey & Pistachio Twist: swirl in a tablespoon more honey and top with chopped pistachios for a sweet-salty crunch (see our variation for inspiration).
- Herby Green: blend in a handful of fresh dill, mint, or basil for a bright, herb-forward dip.
- Smoky Roasted Red Pepper: fold in finely chopped roasted red peppers and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Olive & Lemon Zest: stir in chopped Kalamata olives and lemon zest for a Mediterranean brininess.
- Spicy Harissa: blend in 1–2 teaspoons of harissa paste for a warm, complex heat.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—make it up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to cool room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) and stir or re-blend briefly before serving.
Q: What if my dip is grainy or too thick?
A: If it’s grainy, blend a little longer and add a teaspoon of cold water or lemon juice to smooth. If too thick, thin with more yogurt or a splash of water.
Q: How can I reduce sodium without losing flavor?
A: Rinse salty feta briefly under cold water and pat dry, use lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs to amplify flavor, and avoid adding extra salt.
Q: Any low-fat or lighter options?
A: Use nonfat Greek yogurt and reduce the olive oil to 1–2 tablespoons; note the texture and flavor will be less rich but still delicious.
Q: Is this dip gluten-free?
A: The dip itself is gluten-free (check feta/yogurt labels for cross-contamination if you have severe intolerance). Pair with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Conclusion
Give this whipped feta dip a try the next time you want something quick, impressive, and irresistibly flavorful—perfect for gatherings, weeknight snacking, or adding sophistication to simple meals. For another take on creamy whipped feta and inspiration, check out this classic version at Creamy Whipped Feta Dip, and for a bright herb-forward recipe, see the option from Love & Lemons here: Whipped Feta Dip Recipe – Love and Lemons.
If you make it, share a photo and tell us which variation you tried—your feedback helps build this community of curious cooks.
Print
Whipped Feta Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy whipped feta dip with lemon, garlic, and a touch of honey, perfect for gatherings and snacking.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (about 160 g)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, finely diced, for garnish
Instructions
- Let the feta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- In a food processor, combine feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and honey.
- Pulse to combine, then blend on medium speed until very smooth and creamy, about 30–60 seconds.
- Taste and adjust the flavors as necessary.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with olive oil and diced parsley.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
Best when served fresh. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 203
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16.4g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5.5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
