Andy Montoya
Feta cheese and pesto are a match made in heaven. The salty, creamy feta and the fresh, floral pesto create a delectable sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. This combination is incredibly versatile and can be used as a topping for fish, tacos, or even as a dip for vegetables. It is also a perfect pairing for pasta, adding a tangy twist to a classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can create a gourmet sauce that will elevate any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, tangy, creamy, peppery, floral |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese, basil, oregano, olive oil, pine nuts, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, salt |
| Time | Quick and easy to make |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Uses | Pasta, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, salads, dips, vinaigrettes, hummus, shrimp, tacos, garden-fresh vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Feta pesto recipe
Feta and pesto are a great combination, and feta pesto is a delicious, versatile condiment that can be made in minutes. It is a great topping for fish, tacos, salads, and vegetables, and can be used as a dip.
Recipe 1: Greek-style Feta Pesto
This recipe replaces Parmesan with feta and uses fresh oregano leaves instead of basil. It also uses almonds instead of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
- Feta
- Oregano leaves
- Almonds
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Freshly ground pepper
Place the oregano leaves and garlic in a blender and blend, adding the olive oil gradually until all ingredients are mixed together. Add the feta and almonds and blend to your desired consistency. Season with pepper.
Recipe 2: Feta-Basil Pesto
This recipe uses French sheep's milk feta, fresh basil leaves, Italian Reggiano Parmeggiano, extra-virgin olive oil, and garlic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of basil
- 5 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Reggiano Parmesan
- Sheep's milk feta
- Hot sauce
Place the basil, 2 tbsp of olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper in a food processor and pulse. Scrape down the sides, add the Parmesan and feta, and pulse again. Add the hot sauce and the remaining olive oil and pulse again.
Recipe 3: Spinach Pesto with Almonds and Feta
This recipe uses spinach, almonds, feta, olive oil, and black pepper.
Place the almonds and garlic in a food processor and blend until the almonds are coarsely chopped. Add the spinach, feta, olive oil, and pepper and pulse until the desired consistency is reached.
Serving Suggestions:
Feta pesto can be served with pasta. Boil your choice of pasta and drain, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the feta pesto to the pasta and stir, adding some of the cooking water to create a creamier sauce. Serve with freshly ground pepper.
It can also be used as a topping for crostini with mozzarella and roasted tomatoes, seared scallops, swordfish, or sweet potato fries.
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Feta pesto storage
Feta pesto is a unique and easy-to-make condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be stored in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It is important to use a clean utensil when dipping into the pesto jar to maintain its freshness. For longer storage, feta pesto can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To make feta pesto, you can use a combination of feta cheese, olive oil, basil leaves, garlic, and almonds or pine nuts. Some recipes suggest adding pistachios, lemon juice, or other fresh herbs like sage, parsley, or mint for enhanced flavor.
When storing feta cheese by itself, it is important to prevent it from drying out. The brine, a combination of water and salt, is essential for preserving the cheese. If you discard the brine or purchase feta without it, you can create your own by mixing 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Completely submerge the leftover feta in the brine to maintain its salty flavor and crumbly texture.
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Feta pesto with pasta
Ingredients
For the feta pesto, you will need:
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Almonds or pine nuts
- Fresh herbs (e.g. sage, parsley, mint)
- Lemon juice or zest (optional)
For the pasta, you can use any variety of your choice, such as penne, spaghetti, farfalle, fusilli, or linguine. Additionally, you can include:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Black olives
- Dried tomatoes
- Chicken
Instructions
Firstly, prepare the feta pesto. Place the basil leaves and garlic cloves in a blender and blend at high speed, gradually adding olive oil until all ingredients are well mixed. If using nuts, you can toast them in a dry frying pan before adding them to the blender. For added flavour, include herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice or zest.
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the feta pesto and mix well. If a creamier consistency is desired, add a spoonful of the reserved cooking water.
Finally, serve the pasta with your chosen toppings. Crumble feta cheese over the pasta, along with cherry tomatoes, black olives, or dried tomatoes. You can serve the dish immediately or chill it before serving.
Customisation
This recipe is highly versatile and can be customised to your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- To reduce calories and carbohydrates, replace regular pasta with lentil noodles.
- If you prefer a spicier flavour profile, use a peppery feta cheese or add red pepper flakes.
- For added protein, include chicken or chickpeas.
- To make it a side dish, serve the pasta atop baby spinach, arugula, or kale.
Remember, the beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and versatility, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your favourite variation of feta pesto with pasta!
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Greek-style pesto
Feta cheese and pesto is a flavourful combination that can be used as a topping, dip, or sauce. Greek-style pesto is made with feta cheese instead of parmesan, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways.
One recipe for Greek-style pesto includes feta, basil, garlic, olive oil, and almonds. Fresh oregano leaves can be used instead of basil, and pine nuts can be used in place of almonds. This pesto can be served on pasta, with suggestions including penne, spaghetti, farfalle, or linguini. To prepare, drain the pasta and place it back in the pot, reserving about a cup of the water it was boiled in. Add the feta pesto and stir well, adding a spoonful or two of the cooking liquid to adjust the consistency. Serve immediately with freshly ground pepper, if desired.
When making pesto, it is recommended to start with the dry ingredients in the food processor and gradually add the olive oil to achieve the desired consistency. The cheese should be added last, as the heat from the blade can alter its flavour.
Feta pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. It is a versatile condiment that can be used as a topping for salads, fish, tacos, or garden-fresh vegetables.
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Feta pesto with other foods
Feta pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for using feta pesto with other foods:
Pasta
One classic combination is feta pesto with pasta. You can simply stir feta pesto into cooked pasta for a quick and easy dish. Some specific types of pasta that go well with feta pesto include penne, spaghetti, farfalle, linguine, and lentil noodles. For a more indulgent option, try the famous TikTok baked feta pasta, which combines feta, pesto, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil to create a creamy, tangy sauce that is then mixed with cooked pasta.
Salads
Feta pesto can also be used as a salad dressing or topping, adding a burst of flavor to your greens. It goes well with garden-fresh vegetables and can be a refreshing option during the summer months.
Pizza
Feta pesto can be used as a base for pizza, adding a creamy and salty twist to your pie. Simply spread the pesto over your pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake.
Sandwiches and Wraps
For a quick and easy lunch option, spread some feta pesto on your sandwich or wrap. It adds a nice kick of flavor and can be paired with a variety of fillings.
Seafood
Feta pesto also pairs well with seafood, such as shrimp or fish. Try sautéed shrimp with feta pesto and pasta for a flavorful and elegant dish. Alternatively, baked or cooked fish can be topped with feta pesto for a tasty and light meal.
With its versatility and unique flavor, feta pesto is a great way to enhance a variety of dishes and elevate your dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese and pesto can be used in a variety of recipes, including pasta, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. You can also add it to cooked fish or chicken.
To make feta cheese pesto, you can use a food processor to blend herbs, almonds, garlic, and olive oil. You can also add other ingredients like pistachios, pine nuts, or lemon juice.
Feta cheese pesto will last for about two weeks in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
