The Best Dressings To Compliment Feta Cheese

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. When it comes to choosing a dressing to go with feta cheese, there are several options to consider. The most popular dressings include vinaigrettes (such as balsamic, red wine, or white wine vinegar), citrus-based dressings (such as lemon juice or orange juice), and dairy-based dressings (such as ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese).

Vinaigrettes, for example, can be easily customised by adding spices like garlic powder, oregano, or basil. Lemon juice, on the other hand, adds a zesty tang to your salad and helps cut through the saltiness of the feta. Dairy-based dressings, such as ranch or Caesar, pair well with feta cheese as they have a similar salty and creamy flavour profile.

Other options include creamy feta dressings, which can be made by blending feta cheese with Greek yoghurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. This type of dressing is perfect for drizzling over salads, fish, or roasted vegetables. Additionally, basic Greek salad dressing can be made with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, with the option to add herbs like oregano and dill.

With its distinct flavour and texture, feta cheese serves as a great base for experimenting with different dressings to find your favourite combination.

Creamy feta dressing

A creamy feta dressing is a delicious way to add some Mediterranean flair to your salads, vegetables, meats, and more. This tangy, salty, and creamy dressing is easy to make and highly versatile. Here's a detailed guide to creating your own creamy feta dressing, along with some serving suggestions.

Ingredients

• Feta Cheese: Use 6 ounces of block feta cheese in brine for the best flavour and texture. Crumble it yourself or buy it pre-crumbled.
• Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of tartness.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and tanginess to the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Use a good quality, sugar-free mayonnaise for the best results.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream is recommended for a lower-carb option.
• Milk: Skim, low-fat, or whole milk can be used to adjust the consistency and creaminess.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a mild or robust flavour, depending on the type chosen.
• Garlic: Grated or minced garlic adds a spicy kick. Roasted garlic can be used for a slightly sweeter flavour.
• Fresh Herbs: Dill, mint, basil, or parsley add freshness and flavour.
• Spices: Dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or Aleppo pepper bring subtle heat and depth.

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until you achieve a creamy and smooth consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a thinner dressing, gradually add milk or water until the desired consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions

• Salads: Drizzle it over heirloom tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and fresh herbs.
• Vegetables: Use it as a dip for crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, or grilled romaine lettuce.
• Meats: It pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken souvlaki or Greek lemon chicken.
• Sandwiches: Use it as a spread instead of mayonnaise in your favourite sandwich.
• Pizzas: Drizzle it over a pita breakfast pizza for a unique flavour.
• Potatoes: Spoon it over roasted potatoes or use it as a dip for pita chips.

Storage

Store your creamy feta dressing in a tightly closed mason jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. The dressing may thicken in the fridge, so simply add a splash of milk or water and whisk to thin it out before serving.

Greek salad dressing

Ingredients:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Gather your ingredients.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• Season to taste and adjust the quantities as needed.
• Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This dressing is perfect for those who enjoy a zesty and flavorful addition to their meals. It is a great way to enhance the taste of salads and can also be used as a marinade. The combination of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings creates a bright and tangy flavor profile that complements a variety of dishes.

Vinaigrettes

A basic vinaigrette can be made with olive oil, vinegar (balsamic or red wine vinegar are popular choices), salt, and pepper. Lemon juice can also be added for a tangy twist. Vinaigrettes can be easily customised to suit your taste. For example, you can add additional spices like garlic powder, oregano, or basil. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Vinegar (balsamic or red wine vinegar)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or jar.
• Whisk or shake until well combined.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Drizzle over your salad or dish with feta cheese.

Citrus-based dressings

Lemon and Olive Oil

A simple option is to drizzle Greek extra virgin olive oil over your salad and serve with wedges of lemon on the side, squeezing to taste. This method is ideal for salads with feta cheese, such as an authentic Greek salad.

Lemon, Olive Oil, and Oregano

For a more complex dressing, you can combine lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil and Greek oregano. This dressing will have a light colour and a creamy texture as the oil and vinegar combine. You can also add freshly cracked black pepper to make the flavour more assertive.

Lemon, Olive Oil, and Basil

For a zesty vinaigrette, blend olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and basil. You can also add spices and crumbled feta to taste. This dressing is ideal for drizzling over cucumbers or serving with falafel.

Lemon, Greek Yogurt, and Olive Oil

For a thicker, creamier dressing, blend Greek yogurt, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and water. This option is perfect for drizzling over crunchy vegetables or grilled romaine lettuce.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of citrus fruits, oils, herbs, and spices to find your favourite citrus-based dressing to pair with feta cheese!

Dairy-based dressings

Creamy Feta Dressing

A creamy feta dressing is an obvious choice to pair with feta cheese. This dressing is made by blending feta cheese with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This creates a tangy, garlicky, and lemony dressing with a creamy texture. Fresh or dried herbs such as mint, basil, dill, or parsley can be added for extra flavour. This dressing goes well with salads, grilled vegetables, fish, and roasted broccoli.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a popular dairy-based dressing that pairs well with feta cheese. It is made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, spices, and garlic powder. The creaminess of the ranch dressing complements the saltiness of the feta cheese, and the dressing also helps to moisten the cheese and prevent it from being too crumbly.

Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is another creamy and salty dressing that goes well with feta cheese. It has a similar profile to ranch dressing and pairs especially well with feta cheese when croutons are added to the salad for an extra crunchy element.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese has a bold and sharp flavour profile similar to feta, but with a creamier texture. Blue cheese dressing can be a great complement to feta cheese, especially if you want to add an extra boost of flavour to your salad.

These dairy-based dressings offer a range of flavours and textures that will enhance the feta cheese in your dish. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions