Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a tangy taste and a creamy texture. It can be crumbled, cubed, sliced, or marinated and is a great addition to a variety of salad recipes, including Greek salads, roasted beet salads, and Mediterranean salads. When preparing feta cheese for a salad, it is important to consider the desired texture and flavour profile. Crumbling feta cheese by hand or with a fork creates small chunks that are perfect for sprinkling on top of salads, while cubing or slicing the cheese can add a more substantial feta element to the dish. Marinated feta, soaked in olive oil and herbs, is another delicious option that can be made ahead of time and stored for up to several weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Feta |
| Texture | Can range from soft to hard |
| Preparation | Crumble, slice, or cube |
| Crumbling technique | Use hands or tines of a fork |
| Crumbling tip | Run the feta under very cold water for 10 seconds |
| Crumbling tip | Place sliced cheese in a freezer bag and break into pieces with fingers |
| Serving suggestion | Sprinkle on salads |
| Serving suggestion | Marinate in olive oil, lemon zest, herbs, and spices |
| Storage | Marinated feta lasts 2-3 weeks in the fridge |
| Storage tip | Ensure the cheese is always covered with olive oil |
| Storage tip | Save leftover olive oil for salad dressing or marinade |
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What You'll Learn
Crumbling feta cheese
Feta cheese is a great ingredient to add to salads, and crumbling it is an easy process. Feta cheese can range from soft to hard, and trying to crumble it may result in mashing it. To avoid this, cut a slice from the block of feta in the amount you want to crumble. If the cheese is too salty, run it under very cold water for 5-10 seconds to remove the excess brine and firm it up. Then, use your hands or the tines of a fork to break it up into small pieces. These do not have to be tiny; small chunks are fine for salads.
You can add crumbled feta cheese to almost any dish. It is a great addition to salads, soups, sandwiches, and appetizers. For example, you can make a feta sandwich with tomatoes, feta cheese, oregano, and olive oil. You can also add crumbled feta to Mediterranean salads with olives, roasted beet salads, or Greek salads.
If you have leftover crumbled feta cheese, you can freeze it in the same bag and use it later when a recipe calls for grated or shredded feta. You can also use crumbled feta in cooked dishes, such as zucchini fritters, sigara boregi, or stuffed chicken.
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Marinated feta
Ingredients
- Feta cheese (a block of Greek feta is recommended)
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Green onion
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Rosemary spring
Instructions
- Cut the feta into thick cubes and place them in a mason jar.
- Combine olive oil with the lemon zest, green onion, garlic cloves, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the feta cubes, ensuring that the cheese is completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in the fridge for at least one day and up to two weeks before using.
- When ready to serve, remove the marinated feta from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Prepare the salad by combining the desired vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Add the drained marinated feta to the salad and drizzle with the leftover olive oil or a vinaigrette dressing.
- Toss the salad gently and adjust the seasoning and dressing to taste.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to blend.
Variations
There are many variations and additions to the basic marinated feta recipe. Some suggestions include:
- Jalapeños and dried chillies for a spicier flavour
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mint leaves
- Kalamata olives
- Pita chips or crackers on the side
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What to pair feta with
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different foods. Here are some ideas for what to pair feta with when preparing a salad:
Vegetables
Feta pairs well with a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and olives. If you're making a Greek salad, these are the traditional vegetables to include. You can also add some mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch.
Fruits
Feta can also be paired with fruits such as cherries or beets. For example, a roasted beet salad with crumbled feta cheese is a simple yet elegant combination.
Grains
Consider pairing feta with grains such as wheat berries or bulgur wheat. It can also be a great addition to pasta salads or pita bread.
Proteins
Feta pairs well with proteins like chicken, fish, or lamb. For example, you could serve a Greek salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Or, for something different, try a Middle Eastern spiced lamb burger topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Legumes
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, feta goes well with legumes. For example, you could make a salad with chickpeas or lentil soup with feta cheese crumbles.
Herbs and Spices
Don't forget to season your salad with herbs and spices! Feta pairs well with a variety of herbs, including oregano, parsley, mint, and dill. You can also add some spice with chilli peppers or jalapeños.
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How to cut feta
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek salads, adding a salty, tangy and creamy flavour. It is also used in Mediterranean lentil salads, chickpea and beet salads, and watermelon salads.
When preparing feta cheese for a salad, it is important to cut it into the right size and shape to ensure it complements the other ingredients and can be easily tossed or combined. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut feta cheese for a salad:
- Start by purchasing a block of feta cheese, which is typically sold packed in brine. This will have a better flavour and texture than pre-crumbled feta. Look for Greek sheep's milk feta if you can find it.
- Remove the feta from the brine and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the feta into uniform slabs or slices that are about 1/2-inch thick. You can also cut the feta into large cubes of a similar size to the other ingredients in your salad, such as 1/2-inch cubes.
- If you prefer smaller pieces of feta in your salad, you can cut the slabs or cubes into smaller pieces. However, be careful not to cut them too small, as they may crumble.
- If you are not using the feta cheese right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Unopened feta can last up to 7 months, while opened feta should be used within 7 days.
- Just before serving, add the feta cheese to your salad. If you are using slabs or large pieces of feta, you can place them on top of the other ingredients or gently toss them with the other ingredients. If using smaller cubes or crumbled feta, you can gently fold them into the salad.
By following these steps, you can prepare and cut feta cheese for your salad, ensuring it adds the perfect flavour and texture to your dish.
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Storing feta
If you don't want to use brine, you can preserve feta in olive oil and add herbs and spices. This will keep the cheese fresh for at least two weeks. The oil will congeal in the refrigerator, so allow it to sit at room temperature for one to two hours before serving. You can also use leftover oil in salad dressings, over pasta, or as a dipping oil.
Another option is to freeze crumbled feta. This works well for recipes where the cheese will be cooked. The smell will change noticeably when the feta goes bad.
Always store feta in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). The cold temperature helps slow down bacterial growth. If stored in brine, feta will last up to three weeks. For maximum freshness, consume feta within one to two weeks of opening.
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