Zesty Mediterranean Feta with Orange and Olives
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Zesty Mediterranean Feta with Orange and Olives recipe. This dish combines creamy feta cheese marinated in fragrant extra virgin olive oil with the aromatic warmth of garlic, the herbal notes of fresh oregano, and the bright sweetness of orange zest. Complemented by the briny taste of pitted green olives and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this delightful creation makes for a perfect appetizer or a refreshing addition to any cheese board. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, this marinated cheese is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups (divided; 1 cup for cooking and 1/4 cup for finishing)
garlic cloves
2 (sliced)
fresh oregano leaves
1 tablespoon (minced)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (grated)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
feta cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups))
pitted green olives
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped (about 4 ounces))
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil, sliced garlic cloves, minced fresh oregano leaves, grated orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
2
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 18 minutes, or until the garlic is softened and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4
Gently stir in the cubed feta cheese and coarsely chopped green olives until the cheese is coated with the aromatic oil.
5
Cover the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. If storing, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Bring back to room temperature and allow the oil to liquefy for about 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Feta with Orange and Olives?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean appetizer featuring feta cheese marinated in extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic, fresh oregano, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh oregano, orange zest, red pepper flakes, feta cheese, and pitted green olives.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of extra virgin olive oil, divided into 1 cup for the initial infusion and 1/4 cup for finishing.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Two garlic cloves should be thinly sliced before being added to the oil mixture.
How long should the oil and aromatics be heated?
The mixture should be heated over low heat for approximately 18 minutes until the garlic is softened and fragrant.
Should the garlic be allowed to brown?
No, you should be careful not to let the garlic brown while heating the oil mixture.
What kind of feta cheese is best?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of feta cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes, which is about 2 cups.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pitted green olives that have been coarsely chopped.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of minced fresh oregano leaves for the best herbal notes.
What provides the zesty flavor in this dish?
The zesty profile comes from 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest combined with the citrus notes of the oil.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of heat provided by 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How long should the cheese marinate at room temperature?
After combining the ingredients, the mixture should sit at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
When should I add the final portion of olive oil?
The remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil should be stirred in just before serving.
Can I store the marinated feta for later use?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How do I serve the feta after it has been refrigerated?
Bring it back to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving to allow the olive oil to liquefy.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbs, containing only 1.5g per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides about 4g of protein.
Is this dish suitable for a cheese board?
Yes, it is a perfect addition to a cheese board or as a standalone appetizer for gatherings.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe requires 7 distinct ingredients.
Can this recipe be considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it uses classic Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and extra virgin olive oil.
How should the olives be prepared?
The pitted green olives should be coarsely chopped, equating to about 4 ounces.
What is the best serving temperature?
This dish is best served at room temperature to ensure the oil is liquid and the flavors are vibrant.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no significant sugar content.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Greek, appetizer, feta cheese, Mediterranean, marinated, cheese board, olives, orange, and herbs.
Can I make this dish for a large group?
Yes, it is ideal for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine 1 cup of olive oil with garlic, oregano, orange zest, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional information for fiber is not specified for this recipe.
How should the feta be added to the oil?
The cubed feta should be gently stirred into the slightly cooled oil mixture until thoroughly coated.