Feta Cheese And Nut Combinations: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, from appetizers and side dishes to salads, main courses, and savory pastries. Its salty and tangy flavour makes it a favourite in its home country of Greece and beyond. While feta is commonly crumbled on top of dishes as a finishing touch, it can also be melted into the mix or baked. One of the best ways to cook with feta is to grill or bake it, softening its texture and making it gooey. Feta pairs well with fruits like watermelon, peaches, and apricots, as well as vegetables such as asparagus, red pepper, and zucchini. It is also a great addition to meats like steak, chicken, and fish. When it comes to nuts, feta can be paired with pine nuts, as seen in a flatbread recipe topped with grape tomatoes, basil, and crumbled feta. Another option is to coat feta chunks with crushed pistachios for a salty and crunchy snack.

Pistachios

One way to incorporate feta into a dish is to crumble it. Feta crumbles are versatile and can be used to garnish pasta, watermelon, grapes, nuts, chickpeas, potatoes, salads, pizza, or eggs. Feta cubes are another simple way to add feta to a dish. These can be cut from a block or bought pre-made and marinated in olive oil, peppers, and herbs.

Feta also works well when grilled or baked, as it softens and becomes gooey. Grilled feta is best served with bread, pita, or naan, while baked feta pairs well with crackers, naan, or crostini. Marinating feta gives it a creamy yet crumbly texture, perfect for topping dishes.

When pairing feta with pistachios, try coating feta cubes with crushed pistachios for a salty and crunchy snack. Feta also pairs well with other nuts, such as pine nuts, which can be used to top a flatbread with grape tomatoes, basil, and crumbled feta.

In addition to its versatility in preparation, feta's tangy and salty flavour also makes it a great complement to many different foods. Feta can be paired with fruits like watermelon, apricots, nectarines, and peaches, adding a salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. It also goes well with vegetables like asparagus, red pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and carrots.

Feta is an excellent addition to proteins such as steak, chicken, tofu, and fish. Its salty flavour enhances the natural saltiness of fish, bringing a bold tanginess to the dish. Feta can also be stuffed into chicken breasts or meatballs, adding pockets of salty cheese throughout.

Feta's unique flavour profile also allows it to be paired with a variety of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. It can be drizzled with honey for a sweet and salty treat or marinated in olive oil with garlic or chiles for added heat. Feta also pairs well with herbs like rosemary, basil, thyme, lavender, mint, or dill, which can be added directly to the cheese or infused into olive oil for marinating.

Pine nuts

One way to pair pine nuts and feta cheese is in a cheese ball. To make this, you can blend feta with cream cheese, butter, oregano, fennel seeds, and lemon zest. After chilling the mixture, it can be rolled into a ball and then coated with pine nuts. This can be served with crackers as an appetizer or snack.

Another option is to create a flatbread topped with grape tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, and crumbled feta. This combination is especially enjoyable when paired with a glass of Chianti, as it can evoke a feeling of dining on the Amalfi coast.

Peanuts

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers and side dishes to salads, main courses, and pastries. It is known for its salty and tangy flavour, which makes it a popular choice in Mediterranean cuisine.

When it comes to pairing feta cheese with peanuts, a unique and intriguing combination can be created. Here are some ways to incorporate peanuts with feta cheese:

Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Peanuts

This salad, created by Chef Ed Lee, combines the sweetness of watermelon with the salty, tangy feta cheese and the crunchy texture of fried peanuts. The addition of bourbon gives the dish an unexpected twist, making it a refreshing and surprising summer treat.

Peanut-Crusted Feta

For a creative appetiser or snack, coat feta cubes with crushed peanuts. The salty, crunchy coating of peanuts provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, tangy feta. This combination can be served as-is or used as a topping for crackers, crostini, or fresh, crisp vegetables.

Peanut and Feta Stuffed Squash

Combining feta cheese with peanuts can be taken to the next level by incorporating them into stuffed vegetables. For instance, create a unique version of stuffed pattypan squash by filling it with rice, spinach, and a generous amount of feta cheese, and then topping it with crushed peanuts. The peanuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour to the dish.

Peanut and Feta Toppings

Both peanuts and feta cheese can be used as toppings for various dishes. For instance, they can be sprinkled over salads, pasta dishes, or roasted vegetables. The combination of salty feta and crunchy peanuts can elevate the taste and texture of the dish.

Peanut Sauce with Feta

Creating a peanut sauce infused with feta cheese is another innovative way to pair these two ingredients. The sauce can be drizzled over grilled meats, vegetables, or even used as a dip. The salty, tangy feta blends with the nutty flavour of the peanuts, creating a unique and indulgent taste experience.

Walnuts

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, side dishes, salads, main dishes, and even desserts. It has a unique salty and tangy flavour that makes it a favourite in its home country of Greece and beyond.

In the Roasted Beet Salad, the walnuts are toasted, adding a crunchy texture to the soft crumbled feta cheese and roasted beets. This salad also includes baby arugula and a simple balsamic dressing, creating a filling and nutritious dish.

The Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet and savoury flavours. The saltiness of the feta cheese complements the sweetness of the watermelon, while the walnuts add a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients. This salad also includes fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar, creating a well-rounded and flavourful dish.

Both of these salad recipes highlight how walnuts and feta cheese can enhance each other's flavours and textures, creating delicious and nutritious dishes that are perfect for any occasion.

Pecans

A chopped salad with apples, pecans and feta cheese is a great option for a quick and easy meal. The recipe includes hearty greens, such as baby kale, spinach, Swiss chard or arugula, chopped apples, pecans and feta cheese. To add a pop of colour and sweetness, dried cranberries, golden raisins and blueberries are also tossed through. The salad is then finished with a white balsamic and olive oil dressing.

Another option is a cranberry pecan salad with feta cheese. This recipe includes salad greens, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans and an olive oil and vinegar dressing.

For a more autumnal salad, an apple pecan and feta salad is a great option. This recipe includes a spring lettuce mix, gala apples, pecans, feta cheese, dried cranberries, bacon and a maple cider vinaigrette dressing.

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