Description
This Marinated Feta with Fresh Herbs recipe offers a bright, zesty, and deeply flavorful Mediterranean twist to your meals. Creamy feta cheese is soaked in extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest, creating a versatile and elegant appetizer perfect for salads, bread baskets, or vegetable dishes. Easy to prepare and customizable, it brings bold flavors and healthy fats to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g firm block of feta cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional Extras
- Whole peppercorns, a few
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Feta: Cut the firm feta cheese into bite-sized cubes or thick slices according to your preference, maximizing the surface area to absorb the marinade flavors.
- Gather and Chop Fresh Herbs: Finely chop fresh thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley. Freshness is key to ensuring the marinade is aromatic and vibrant.
- Combine Oil and Flavorings: In a clean jar or bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, freshly cracked black pepper, and the chopped herbs. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
- Marinate the Feta: Place the cut feta pieces into the jar or container and pour the herb-infused olive oil over them, ensuring the cheese is mostly submerged. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours; longer marinating intensifies the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the marinated feta from the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving. This softens the cheese slightly and allows the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor, as it is a primary ingredient.
- Fresh herbs are essential for the bright, aromatic flavor; dried herbs will not provide the same punch.
- Marinate the feta for at least one full day to allow flavors to meld and soften the cheese.
- Gently shake or stir the container every few hours to redistribute the flavors evenly.
- Ensure the feta remains fully submerged in oil to prevent drying and promote even marination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 50g
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: marinated feta, fresh herbs, Mediterranean appetizer, feta cheese recipe, herb infused feta, easy appetizer, healthy fats