Mediterranean Marinated Feta with Kalamata Olives
Elevate your appetizer game with this Mediterranean Marinated Feta with Kalamata Olives recipe. This delightful dish features large cubes of creamy feta cheese paired with robust kalamata olives and vibrant roasted red peppers, all bathed in a rich, herby olive oil marinade. The combination of fresh oregano, minced garlic, and a hint of balsamic vinegar creates a harmonious flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a unique addition to your cheese board, this dish not only looks beautiful but is incredibly easy to prepare. Let the flavors meld for at least 5 hours for a truly exquisite experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
feta cheese
1 lb (cut into large cubes)
kalamata olives
1 cup (pitted (or leave pits in for authenticity, warn guests))
roasted red peppers
2 (cut into strips)
olive oil
1/2 cup
onion
1 small (diced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
fresh oregano
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lemon juice
to taste (always fresh!)
Instructions
1
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cubed feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives, and strips of roasted red peppers.
2
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, and gently toss to ensure the feta and olives are well-coated.
3
In a separate small bowl, mix together the diced onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, fresh oregano, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
4
Pour the mixture over the salad, and toss gently again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Before serving, give the dish a gentle stir and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Enjoy with crusty bread or as part of a meze platter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Marinated Feta with Kalamata Olives?
It is a flavorful Mediterranean appetizer featuring cubed feta cheese, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers in a herb-infused olive oil marinade.
How much feta cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of feta cheese, cut into large cubes.
What type of olives are best for this dish?
Kalamata olives are used for their robust and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
How long should the feta marinate?
The feta should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What kind of oil should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of high-quality olive oil to create the rich base for the marinade.
Are roasted red peppers included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses two roasted red peppers cut into strips.
What kind of vinegar is used in the marinade?
One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar is used to add a hint of acidity and depth.
Is garlic a necessary ingredient?
Yes, the recipe includes two teaspoons of minced garlic for a savory flavor profile.
Should I use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifically recommends two teaspoons of fresh oregano for the best taste.
How should I prepare the onion?
You should use one small onion and dice it finely before adding it to the marinade.
Do I need to pit the kalamata olives?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of pitted olives, though you can leave the pits in if you warn your guests.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe emphasizes using fresh lemon juice for the highest quality flavor.
How do I serve Mediterranean Marinated Feta?
It is best served with crusty bread or as part of a larger meze platter.
What should I do before serving the dish?
Give the dish a gentle stir and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for a cheese board?
Yes, it is a unique and beautiful addition to any cheese board or appetizer spread.
How do I store the leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a covered bowl or airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cubed feta, olives, and roasted red pepper strips in a spacious mixing bowl.
Is the salt and pepper amount specified?
No, salt and pepper should be added to taste according to your preference.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, this recipe does not include any added sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the seasonings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is described as having a harmonious flavor profile that is creamy, robust, and herby.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is considered incredibly easy to prepare despite its sophisticated look.
Can I add spicy ingredients?
While not in the original recipe, you could add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
What is the texture of the feta in this recipe?
The feta is cut into large cubes, maintaining a creamy and firm texture within the oil.
Why should I toss the ingredients gently?
Tossing gently ensures the feta cubes stay intact and do not crumble too much.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
What makes the marinade vibrant?
The combination of fresh oregano, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice creates a vibrant taste.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Yes, letting it sit overnight in the fridge will further enhance the flavor.
What size onion should I use?
A small onion is sufficient for the amount of feta and olives provided.
How many roasted red peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for two roasted red peppers.