Spicy Feta & Giardinera Dip
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Rhodes, Greece with this Spicy Feta & Giardinera Dip. This delightful blend of creamy feta cheese and crunchy, tangy giardinera bell peppers creates a dip that's both zesty and savory. Perfect for gatherings, this dip brings a kick of heat while maintaining the classic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it with fresh vegetables, pita, or your favorite crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
93
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Giardinera bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon (dried)
Water or giardinera juice
as needed (for consistency)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped giardinera bell pepper, and dried oregano.
2
Using a fork or a spatula, mix the ingredients together until well incorporated.
3
Gradually add water or some juice from the giardinera, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for spreading.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, keeping in mind that the giardinera will add its own heat.
5
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
3g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Feta & Giardinera Dip?
It is a creamy and tangy Mediterranean-style dip made with crumbled feta cheese and crunchy giardinera peppers, inspired by the flavors of Rhodes, Greece.
Is this dip spicy?
Yes, the giardinera peppers provide a kick of heat. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less juice from the giardinera jar.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as its main ingredients are cheese and pickled vegetables.
What type of cheese is used in this dip?
The primary cheese used in this recipe is crumbled feta cheese.
What is giardinera?
Giardinera is a mixture of pickled vegetables. This recipe specifically calls for finely chopped giardinera bell peppers.
How long should the dip be refrigerated before serving?
The dip should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
What should I serve with Spicy Feta & Giardinera Dip?
It is best served with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or your favorite variety of crackers.
How do I adjust the consistency of the dip?
You can gradually add water or the juice from the giardinera, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 93 calories per serving of this dip.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dip provide?
This dip provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains a small amount of sugar, totaling 1 gram per serving.
Does this dip contain fiber?
No, this specific recipe contains 0 grams of fiber.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of dried oregano for seasoning.
Can I serve this dip at room temperature?
Yes, while it should be chilled initially, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
What tools do I need to mix the ingredients?
You only need a medium mixing bowl and a fork or spatula to combine the ingredients.
Can I use the juice from the giardinera jar?
Yes, the juice from the giardinera jar is recommended to help reach the desired consistency and add extra flavor.
What is the origin of this recipe's flavor profile?
The flavor profile is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, specifically the sunny shores of Rhodes, Greece.
Can this be used as a sandwich spread?
Yes, it functions well as a cheese spread due to its adjustable consistency and savory profile.
How much giardinera is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of finely chopped giardinera bell peppers.
How much feta cheese do I need?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese for this recipe.
Is this dip suitable for a party?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is perfect for gatherings and social events.
What is the texture of the Spicy Feta & Giardinera Dip?
The texture is a delightful blend of creamy cheese and crunchy, tangy vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: feta cheese, giardinera bell pepper, dried oregano, and water or juice.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The recipe suggests tasting and adjusting seasoning as necessary, but keep in mind that feta and giardinera are naturally salty.
Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes, because it requires refrigeration to meld flavors, it is an excellent recipe to prepare ahead of time.
What makes this dip zesty?
The combination of tangy pickled giardinera and salty feta cheese creates its signature zesty flavor.
How do I prepare the giardinera for the dip?
The giardinera bell peppers should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is the oregano used fresh or dried?
This recipe specifically calls for dried oregano.