Delicious Food Pairings For Feta Cheese Lovers

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's milk and sometimes goat's milk, with a salty and tangy flavour. While it is commonly associated with Greek salads, feta can be used in appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and even desserts. It can be crumbled, cubed, grilled, baked, or marinated to add a unique flavour to any meal.

Feta pairs well with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates. For example, it can be crumbled on top of sweet fruits like watermelon, apricots, and nectarines, adding a salty contrast to the sweetness. Feta also complements the flavours of vegetables such as asparagus, red pepper, and zucchini. It is a popular addition to proteins like steak, chicken, tofu, and especially fish, enhancing their natural saltiness. Feta can also be used to elevate simple carbohydrates like bread, pita, naan, pasta, and potatoes.

In terms of specific dishes, feta is commonly used in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. It can be added to salads, omelettes, pizzas, and stuffed vegetables. Feta is also a key ingredient in traditional Greek pies such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie).

Salads

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. Here are some ideas for salads that feature feta cheese:

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Feta cheese adds a salty and creamy texture to this refreshing chickpea salad. It is a hearty salad that can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled meat.

Beet and Chickpea Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A vegetarian take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich is filled with homemade beet falafel patties and a generous amount of feta cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying combination.

Beet Salad with Spinach and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Beets and feta are a classic pairing, as the salty cheese complements the earthy flavour of the beets. Adding a lightly sweet and tangy vinaigrette takes this beet salad to the next level.

Greek Salad

A traditional Greek salad is incomplete without feta cheese. It is typically made with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a lemon-garlic dressing. The feta can be added in pretty cubes or simply crumbled on top.

Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

A quinoa and roasted veggie salad with feta cheese is a simple yet flavourful dish. The addition of feta brings a tangy and creamy element to the salad, making it a delicious and nutritious option.

Watermelon, Mint, and Feta Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet and juicy watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese. The mint adds a refreshing touch, and a balsamic glaze brings everything together for a unique flavour experience.

Appetisers

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of appetisers. Here are some ideas for appetisers featuring feta cheese:

Marinated Feta

Feta cheese can be marinated in olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish can be served as an appetiser with crackers or crusty bread. The marination process infuses extra flavour into the feta, giving it a creamy yet crumbly texture.

Grilled Feta

Grilled feta is a delicious option as it softens the texture of the cheese and gives it a toasty flavour. It is best to use a brick of feta brought to room temperature before tossing it on the grill. Grilled feta pairs well with bread, pita, or naan.

Baked Feta

Similar to grilling, baking feta softens its texture and makes it gooey. Pair baked feta with crackers, naan, or crostini.

Whipped Feta

To make whipped feta, simply combine lemon, olive oil, feta, and cream cheese in a food processor. This dip can be served with crostinis, flatbread, fruit, or vegetables.

Feta with Fruit

Feta cheese can be paired with sweet fruits like melons, apricots, and nectarines. The saltiness of the feta complements the sweetness of the fruit. For a summer treat, try crumbled feta on sliced watermelon.

Feta with Vegetables

Feta cheese goes well with vegetables such as asparagus, red pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. It offers a tangy balance that brings out the earthy and fresh flavours of the vegetables. Try grilled zucchini salad or roasted eggplant rolls stuffed with spinach and feta.

Feta with Bread

The simple combination of feta and bread can make a delicious appetiser. Add some olives and tomatoes for a complete dish. Feta can be mashed on toast and topped with your favourite vegetables. It is also a great alternative to other cheeses in grilled sandwiches.

Side dishes

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for side dishes that incorporate feta cheese:

Salads

Feta cheese is a popular addition to salads, providing a salty, tangy flavour that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Try a classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a lemon-garlic dressing, or get creative with other combinations such as watermelon, mint, and feta; beet and chickpea; or Mediterranean pasta salad. Feta also goes well with fruits like melons, apricots, and nectarines, adding a salty contrast to the sweet flavours.

Vegetables

Feta cheese is commonly paired with vegetables, especially those cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce, such as Mediterranean eggplant, stuffed squash, or Greek green beans. It also complements the flavours of roasted carrots, asparagus, red pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. For a simple side dish, grill some zucchini, top it with feta, and serve it with bread.

Breads and Crackers

The salty, tangy flavour of feta cheese is a perfect match for breads, crackers, and flatbreads. Try grilling feta and serving it with pita or naan, or bake feta and pair it with crackers or crostini. Feta can also be whipped with lemon, olive oil, and cream cheese to create a delicious spread for flatbreads or crostini.

Proteins

Feta cheese is a tasty addition to various protein-based side dishes. It can be stuffed into chicken breasts or peppers, added to tofu, or crumbled on top of grilled salmon. Feta also goes well with eggs, so consider making an omelette with feta, spinach, and mushrooms, or simply having feta with eggs on toast.

Main dishes

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas for main courses that incorporate feta cheese:

Savory Pies and Pastries

Feta cheese is a key ingredient in several Greek savory pies, such as spanakopita (spinach pie), tyropita (cheese pie), hortopita (wild greens pie), and prassopita (leek pie). These pies are typically made with phyllo dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. The feta adds a salty, tangy flavor to the pies, making them a delicious option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Salads

Feta cheese is a popular addition to salads, especially those with a Mediterranean or Greek twist. It pairs well with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and beets. For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or falafel. Feta can also be crumbled on top of watermelon, grapes, or nuts for a unique sweet and salty combination.

Pasta and Noodles

Feta cheese is an excellent alternative to the more commonly used cheeses in pasta dishes. It adds a tangy flavor to noodles and pairs well with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, olives, chickpeas, and garlic. For a simple yet flavorful dish, toss feta with lemon, olive oil, and your choice of noodles.

Proteins

Feta cheese is a great way to add flavor to proteins like chicken, steak, tofu, and fish. For example, feta-stuffed chicken breasts baked in a tomato sauce make for an impressive yet simple dish. Feta also complements the natural saltiness of fish, bringing a bold tanginess to the dish.

Omelets and Eggs

Feta is a popular addition to omelets and scrambled eggs, providing a creamy, salty twist. It pairs well with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes, as well as meats such as diced chicken. For a Greek-style omelet, add feta, spinach, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes.

Savoury pastries

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savoury pastries. Here are some ideas for incorporating feta into your pastry creations:

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta)

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that combines phyllo dough, butter, onions, spinach, feta, ricotta cheese, and various herbs and spices. This savoury pastry is perfect for brunch, light lunches, or dinners. The feta adds a salty, tangy flavour to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.

Tyropita (Cheese Pie)

Tyropita is another Greek savoury pie that features feta as the star ingredient. This pastry is all about the cheese, with feta taking centre stage alongside other cheeses and herbs wrapped in phyllo dough.

Hortopita (Wild Greens Pie)

Hortopita is a Greek pie that showcases wild greens and feta. This pastry celebrates the combination of feta with earthy, fresh greens, creating a delicious and healthy option.

Savoury Muffins

Feta can also be incorporated into savoury muffins. Simply add your choice of vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or peppers, and crumble in some feta for a tangy surprise. These muffins make a great on-the-go option or side dish.

Feta and Herb Pastries

Create bite-sized or larger pastries filled with feta and your choice of herbs. Herbs such as rosemary, basil, thyme, or mint pair well with feta. You can use puff pastry or phyllo dough to create these savoury treats, perfect for appetizers or snacks.

Feta and Vegetable Pastries

Feta pairs exceptionally well with a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, red peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of vegetables and feta in your pastries. You can also add other ingredients such as herbs, spices, or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavours.

Frequently asked questions