Rich and Creamy Mediterranean Feta Dressing
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this indulgent and creamy feta dressing. Unlike typical Greek salads dressed with only oil and vinegar, this dressing elevates your salads with the rich, tangy taste of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for drizzling over crisp greens or as a savory dip for fresh vegetables, this recipe captures the essence of Greece in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to enhance your everyday salads, this dressing is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic clove
1-2 (minced fine)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Feta cheese
3/4 cup (crumbled)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup (or milk (use 1/2 cup for dip))
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
2
Blend the mixture on high for about one minute until smooth and well combined.
3
While the blender is running, slowly add the buttermilk and continue blending until the dressing reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Be careful not to over-blend to avoid curdling.
4
Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Store the dressing tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for 3-4 days.
6
If the dressing separates after a few days, simply give it a quick blend again to restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich and Creamy Mediterranean Feta Dressing?
It is a vibrant, indulgent dressing made with feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
How do I make the dressing creamy?
The creaminess is achieved by slowly adding buttermilk while blending the other ingredients at a high speed.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, dried oregano, fresh dill, feta cheese, and buttermilk.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor or a blender can be used to combine the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
How long does it take to prepare?
The blending process takes only about a minute, but the dressing should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, though using buttermilk provides a richer and tangier flavor.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for red wine vinegar to provide a sharp, classic Mediterranean acidity.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 cloves of finely minced garlic depending on your preference.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
While fresh dill is preferred for flavor, you can substitute it with dried dill if necessary.
How should the dressing be stored?
Store the dressing in an airtight container inside the refrigerator.
How long will the dressing stay fresh?
When kept tightly covered in the refrigerator, the dressing will remain fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be used as a dip?
Yes, by reducing the buttermilk to 1/2 cup, you can create a thicker consistency perfect for a savory vegetable dip.
Why must the dressing be refrigerated for an hour?
Refrigeration allows the various flavors from the herbs and feta to properly meld together.
What if the dressing separates in the fridge?
Simply give the dressing a quick blend or shake to restore its original creamy texture.
Is this dressing healthy?
Yes, it uses heart-healthy olive oil and fresh ingredients, making it a great alternative to store-bought dressings.
How do I prevent the dressing from curdling?
To avoid curdling, be careful not to over-blend once the buttermilk has been added to the mixture.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best Mediterranean flavor.
What salads pair well with this dressing?
It pairs perfectly with traditional Greek salads, crisp greens, and fresh vegetable platters.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and feta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this dressing is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this a vegan dressing?
To make it vegan, you would need to substitute the feta and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.
What does the feta add to the flavor?
The feta cheese provides a rich, salty, and tangy depth that characterizes Mediterranean cuisine.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Should I use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano for its concentrated flavor.
Is this dressing suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, its light and refreshing profile makes it an excellent choice for summer gatherings.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Does the salt and pepper need to be measured?
No, salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added according to your personal taste.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely, the ingredients can easily be doubled to accommodate more guests.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing has a thick, rich, and creamy consistency once fully blended.
Is the dressing spicy?
No, it is not spicy; it is savory and tangy with a mild herbal finish.