The Best Dressings To Compliment Feta Cheese's Unique Flavor

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its strong flavour and crumbly texture make it a unique addition to any salad. The best dressings to complement feta cheese are vinaigrettes, such as balsamic, red wine or white wine vinegar, citrus-based dressings like lemon or orange juice, or dairy-based dressings like ranch, Caesar or blue cheese.

The saltiness of feta pairs well with acidic dressings like vinaigrettes, which can be made with balsamic, red wine or white wine vinegar. Lemon juice is also a great way to add a tangy zing to your salad and cut through the saltiness of the feta. Olive oil is another versatile option that can be used as a base for many dressings and sauces.

Creamy dairy-based dressings like ranch, Caesar and blue cheese also pair well with feta cheese. The creaminess of these dressings complements the saltiness and crumbly texture of feta, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.

There are many other dressings that can be used with feta cheese, such as honey mustard, Dijon mustard, green goddess, poppy seed, sesame ginger, sweet and sour, thousand island, French, apple cider vinegar, and Greek salad dressing. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Creamy feta dressing

A creamy feta dressing is an excellent way to add a tangy, salty, and delicious kick to your salads, dips, and sauces. This dressing is a great way to jazz up your summer salads, and it goes well with grilled meats and veggies.

Ingredients

You can make a creamy feta dressing with just a few simple ingredients:

• Feta Cheese: Use 6 ounces of block feta cheese in brine for the best flavour and consistency.
• Greek Yogurt: This adds to the creamy texture and a bit of tartness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and tanginess to the dressing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a milder or more robust oil depending on your preference.
• Garlic: Grate or mince the garlic for a spicy kick.
• Milk: Use skim, low-fat, or whole milk to adjust the consistency of the dressing.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill, mint, basil, or parsley add a fresh flavour to the dressing.
• Spices: Oregano, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder add depth of flavour.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be added for a tangy kick.

Method

The creamy feta dressing is easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes:

• Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• Blend until you reach a creamy and well-blended consistency.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste and add more milk if needed to thin out the dressing.
• Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Storage

The creamy feta dressing can be stored in a tightly closed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk and whisk before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy and tangy dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways:

• Drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables, or roasted veggies like broccoli or artichokes.
• Use as a dip for fresh veggies, pita chips, or steamed artichokes.
• Spoon over roasted potatoes or use as a sandwich spread instead of mayo.
• Pair with Greek or Mediterranean-inspired salads with tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and fresh herbs.
• Drizzle over pizzas or use as a sauce for grilled meats like chicken or lamb.

With its bold flavours and creamy texture, the creamy feta dressing is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.

Greek salad dressing

Ingredients:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Optional ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Greek yogurt
• Feta cheese
• Fresh dill or dried dill
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Milk

Instructions:

Whisk or blend all the ingredients together in a small bowl or food processor until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can also add milk to thin out the dressing to your desired consistency. Transfer to a storage container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This Greek salad dressing is versatile and can be used on various salads, roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, or cooked grains, beans, or lentils. It is a perfect pairing for feta cheese, as the tangy and bright flavours complement the saltiness of the cheese.

Vinaigrettes

A basic vinaigrette can be made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. However, you can experiment with additional ingredients like garlic powder, oregano, basil, or lemon juice. For instance, a Greek salad dressing typically includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried oregano.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and basil in a high-speed blender.
• Blend until well combined.
• Stir in spices and crumbled feta.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

This vinaigrette can be drizzled over a Greek salad or used as a marinade for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Citrus-based dressings

Lemon juice, in particular, is a perfect way to cut through the saltiness of feta cheese. It will also help to mellow out the strong flavour of the feta and provide some moisture to prevent the cheese from becoming too crumbly.

You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your citrus-based dressing. For example, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs like basil or oregano are all popular additions that can enhance the flavour of your dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, more for sprinkling
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

• Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients, including the feta cheese, and toss gently to combine.
• Sprinkle with additional oregano and black pepper, if desired, and serve.

This dressing is a perfect complement to a traditional Greek salad, which typically includes sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. The bright and zingy flavours of the dressing will enhance the freshness of the vegetables and the saltiness of the feta.

Dairy-based dressings

A creamy feta dressing can be made by blending feta cheese with Greek yoghurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This dressing has a Mediterranean flavour profile and can be drizzled over salads, grilled vegetables, or used as a dip for pita wedges.

Another option is to make a feta dip by blending feta cheese with mayonnaise, milk, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or oregano. This results in a tangy and salty dressing that can be served immediately or chilled and served later.

Additionally, a simple and healthy feta dressing can be made by blending Greek yoghurt, crumbled feta cheese, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. This dressing has a tangy and silky texture that pairs well with salads, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Experimenting with different dairy-based dressings will help you find the perfect combination to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions