Whipped Feta Dip
Salty feta, creamy Greek yogurt, lemon, and olive oil blend into a smooth, scoopable dip in about 10 minutes. Finish it with honey and herbs for an easy appetizer that feels special without much work.
- Total time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 10mCook 0mMediterraneanAppetizers
Whipped feta dip is the kind of appetizer you can make when friends are already on the way. Everything goes into a food processor, and a few minutes later you have a tangy, creamy dip ready for pita, crackers, or vegetables.
The feta brings salt and sharp flavor, while Greek yogurt helps it blend into a lighter, smoother spread. A little olive oil adds richness, and lemon keeps the dip bright.
For serving, a drizzle of honey balances the salty cheese. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper or a few grinds of black pepper on top.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
10 items · 8 servings
- 8 ounces feta cheese, drained and crumbled
- 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon honey, for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley, for serving
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Break up the feta
Add the crumbled feta to a food processor. If your feta is packed in brine, drain it well first so the dip does not become watery.
2. Add the creamy base
Add the Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Blend until smooth
Process for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula. Scraping helps the blades catch any firm pieces of feta.
4. Adjust the texture
Check the dip. If it is too thick for scooping, blend in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. For an even looser dip, add 1 teaspoon of cold water at a time until it looks creamy.
5. Taste before salting
Taste the dip before adding any salt. Feta is naturally salty, and many brands do not need extra seasoning.
6. Spoon and swirl
Transfer the whipped feta to a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to make a few swoops on the surface. These little grooves hold the honey and olive oil nicely.
7. Finish and serve
Drizzle the honey over the top. Sprinkle with chopped dill or parsley, and add a pinch more crushed red pepper if you like. Serve right away with warm pita, crackers, cucumber slices, carrots, or bell pepper strips.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Blend the dip up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving so it softens.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving, especially if a little liquid separates on top.
- Feta swap: Block feta usually blends smoother than pre-crumbled feta, which often contains anti-caking ingredients. If using pre-crumbled feta, you may need an extra spoonful of yogurt or water.
- Yogurt swap: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest texture. Low-fat Greek yogurt also works, but the dip will taste a little sharper and less rich.
- No food processor: Use a high-powered blender, stopping often to scrape down the sides. A regular blender may need an extra tablespoon of yogurt or water to get moving.
- Serving idea: Turn it into a platter with olives, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, toasted pita wedges, and sliced cucumbers.
Cook's note
Nutrition is for the dip only and does not include pita, crackers, or vegetables for serving. Sodium can vary a lot by feta brand, so use the nutrition label on your package if you need a precise number.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make whipped feta dip without Greek yogurt?
Yes. You can use sour cream, labneh, or softened cream cheese. Greek yogurt gives the dip a lighter tang, while cream cheese makes it thicker and richer.
Why is my whipped feta dip grainy?
Feta is a crumbly cheese, so a little texture is normal. For a smoother dip, use block feta, blend for a full 2 minutes, and add a small splash of cold water or olive oil while the processor runs.
Can I serve whipped feta dip warm?
This dip is usually served chilled or at room temperature. Warming it can make the cheese separate and turn oily. If it has been refrigerated, let it stand on the counter for a short time before serving.
What should I serve with whipped feta dip?
Warm pita, pita chips, seeded crackers, cucumber spears, carrots, bell peppers, radishes, and cherry tomatoes all work well. It is also good spread on toast or tucked into a sandwich.
Is whipped feta dip gluten free?
The dip itself is gluten free when made with gluten-free ingredients. Serve it with vegetables or gluten-free crackers if you are cooking for someone who avoids gluten.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
8 servings
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat10 g
- 13%
- Saturated Fat5.2 g
- 26%
- Cholesterol27 mg
- 9%
- Sodium266 mg
- 12%
- Total Carbohydrate4.2 g
- 2%
- Dietary Fiber0.1 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars3.9 g
- Protein5.4 g
- 11%
- Vitamin D0.1 mcg
- 1%
- Calcium156 mg
- 12%
- Iron0.2 mg
- 1%
- Potassium43 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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