This creamy feta dressing recipe is a delightful combination of tangy feta cheese and fresh herbs, blended into a smooth and creamy dressing. It's perfect atop your favorite salads or as a dip for raw veggies. The flavors are rich and tangy, making it a delicious alternative to the usual salad dressings.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and possibly already in your kitchen. The one to look out for is feta cheese, a Greek cheese that delivers a unique tangy flavor. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can substitute it with any other soft, crumbly cheese. Also, fresh dill may not be a common staple in all kitchens, but its fresh and slightly bitter taste contributes significantly to the overall flavor of this dressing.
Ingredients for Creamy Feta Dressing
mayonnaise: This is the base of the dressing which gives it a creamy and smooth texture.
sour cream: It adds a tangy flavor to the dressing and contributes to a creamy consistency.
feta cheese: A tangy and salty cheese that gives this dressing its distinctive flavor.
milk: Used to thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.
garlic: Adds a slight kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
fresh dill: This herb adds a unique, fresh flavor that pairs well with the feta cheese.
dried oregano: Oregano brings a hint of earthiness and complements the tanginess of the feta.
salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dressing.
One reader, Electra Singer says:
This creamy feta dressing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of feta, garlic, and dill creates a rich and tangy flavor that elevates any salad. It's so easy to make and incredibly versatile. I've even used it as a dip for veggies and it's always a hit. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Creamy Feta Dressing
How to make creamy feta dressing: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, feta cheese, milk, garlic, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Process until well-blended and creamy.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve the desired flavor.
How to store: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, whisk well and add a bit of milk, little by little, to thin it to the desired consistency.
How To Make Creamy Feta Dressing
This creamy feta dressing has some herby notes from the oregano and dill. It’s best served over fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, or olives.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupmayonnaise,such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
- ½cupsour cream
- 6ozfeta cheese,crumbled
- 2tbspmilk,skim, low fat or whole
- 1garlic clove,roughly chopped
- 2tbspfresh dill,chopped
- ¼tspdried oregano
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until well-blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
-
Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
This dressing will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, it will thicken up quite a bit in the fridge; before serving, whisk well then add a bit of milk, little by little, to thin to desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2617.34kcal
- Fat: 260.49g
- Saturated Fat: 91.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 63.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 96.96g
- Carbohydrates: 23.31g
- Fiber: 0.59g
- Sugar: 20.70g
- Protein: 48.66g
- Cholesterol: 453.66mg
- Sodium: 4015.45mg
- Calcium: 1773.21mg
- Potassium: 591.92mg
- Iron: 2.77mg
- Vitamin A: 758.60µg
- Vitamin C: 5.11mg
Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Consistency
When making your creamy feta dressing, it's important to remember that the consistency can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a thinner dressing, simply add more milk during the blending process. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker, more robust dressing, reduce the amount of milk or add more feta cheese. Always remember to add these adjustments gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve your perfect balance.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Creamy Feta Dressing
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the cooking process and make it easier to assemble the recipe.
One-pot wonders: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and stand mixers to speed up the prep work and cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on guesswork or improvisation.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for ingredients and utensils.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Feta Dressing Recipe
- mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a boost of protein.
- sour cream - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can offer a tangy flavor and creamy consistency similar to sour cream, while also adding a subtle richness to the dressing.
- feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy texture similar to feta, and it can provide a similar savory and slightly tangy flavor to the dressing.
- milk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can add creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to the dressing, similar to milk, while also contributing a hint of acidity.
- garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild onion flavor similar to garlic, adding depth to the dressing without being overpowering.
- fresh dill - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can offer a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing, while also providing a vibrant green color and a hint of earthiness.
- dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can provide a similar herbaceous and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing, complementing the other ingredients well.
- salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory and salty flavor to the dressing, enhancing the overall umami taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can offer a milder and slightly earthy flavor similar to black pepper, while also blending seamlessly into the dressing.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Feta Dressing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the creamy feta dressing, use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dressing to pop. The contrast will make the dish visually appealing and appetizing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh dill over the creamy feta dressing to add a burst of color and a hint of freshness. This will also enhance the aroma and elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a small sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a delicate scattering of crispy kale chips. This will provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy dressing.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the creamy feta dressing and create a sense of elegance and sophistication.
Consider the vessel: Choose a unique and stylish serving vessel, such as a small, sleek ramekin or a modern, minimalist bowl, to showcase the creamy feta dressing. The vessel should complement the overall aesthetic and elevate the dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Feta Dressing
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's perfect for blending the creamy feta dressing ingredients into a smooth and creamy consistency.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients before processing them in the food processor. It's also useful for adjusting the seasoning and ensuring all the components are well-mixed.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Feta Dressing
To store the creamy feta dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to seal it properly to prevent any air from entering, which can cause the dressing to spoil quickly.
Label the container with the date of preparation and the name of the dressing. This will help you keep track of how long the dressing has been stored and ensure that you use it within the recommended time frame.
Place the container in the refrigerator, where the creamy feta dressing will keep well for up to 4 days. The cool temperature of the refrigerator will slow down the growth of bacteria and help maintain the quality and freshness of the dressing.
If you notice that the dressing has thickened up after being refrigerated, don't worry! This is a normal occurrence due to the solidification of the feta cheese and the other dairy ingredients. To restore its original consistency, simply whisk the dressing well and gradually add a little bit of milk until you achieve the desired thickness.
While it is possible to freeze the creamy feta dressing, it is not recommended as the texture and quality of the dressing may be compromised once thawed. The dairy ingredients in the dressing, such as the mayonnaise, sour cream, and feta cheese, can separate and become grainy or lumpy after being frozen and thawed.
However, if you still want to freeze the dressing, use a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid. Leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the container with the date of freezing and use within 2-3 months for best quality.
To thaw the frozen creamy feta dressing, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the dressing a good whisk or stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore its consistency. If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a little bit of milk or sour cream to thin it out.
Interesting Trivia About Feta Dressing
Feta cheese is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is believed to have originated in Greece. It is traditionally made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to dressings, and adds a creamy and tangy flavor to recipes.
Budget-Friendly: Making Feta Dressing at Home
This creamy feta dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as mayonnaise, sour cream, and feta cheese, are reasonably priced and can be used in various other dishes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10. This creamy dressing adds a burst of flavor to salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Its versatility and ability to elevate simple dishes make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Creamy Feta Dressing Healthy?
The creamy feta dressing recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to its high fat content from the mayonnaise, sour cream, and feta cheese. These ingredients are rich in saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, the recipe contains a significant amount of sodium from the feta cheese and added salt, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other sodium-sensitive conditions.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein
- Use reduced-fat sour cream or replace it with additional Greek yogurt
- Opt for a lower-sodium feta cheese or reduce the amount used in the recipe
- Increase the amount of fresh herbs, such as dill, to add flavor without relying on salt
- Add lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavors and reduce the need for salt
- Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add depth to the flavor profile
Our Editor's Opinion on This Feta Dressing Recipe
This creamy feta dressing recipe is a delightful combination of tangy feta, creamy mayonnaise, and refreshing dill. The balance of flavors and textures creates a versatile dressing that can elevate a simple salad or be used as a flavorful dip. The addition of garlic and oregano adds depth, while the sour cream provides a luscious creaminess. This dressing is a perfect accompaniment to fresh vegetables, grilled meats, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It's a versatile and delicious addition to any culinary repertoire.
Enhance Your Creamy Feta Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Creamy Feta Dressing Recipe
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Creamy Feta Dressing
Why trust this Creamy Feta Dressing Recipe:
This creamy feta dressing recipe is a must-try for all cheese lovers. The combination of tangy feta cheese and creamy mayonnaise creates a rich and flavorful dressing that pairs perfectly with salads, grilled vegetables, or even as a dip for crudités. The addition of fresh dill and garlic adds a burst of freshness and depth of flavor. With its simple preparation and versatile uses, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate any dish. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the delicious results it will bring to your table.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
