Zesty Mediterranean Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Dip
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful roasted red pepper and feta dip. Combining the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, the rich creaminess of feta cheese, and zesty hints of lemon, this dip is an excellent accompaniment for fresh veggies, crunchy pita chips, or as a spread on warm crusty bread. It's not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any occasion. This dip is sure to impress both your vegan friends and those who love a great cheese platter.
6
Servings
142
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell peppers
4 (charred, peeled, seeded)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
Feta cheese
2 cups (crumbled)
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
Chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Olives
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler or prepare a gas burner for charring.
2
Place the red bell peppers directly over the gas flame or on a baking sheet under the broiler. Roast until the skins are blistered and blackened on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes.
3
Once charred, immediately transfer the peppers to a paper bag or bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes, which will make peeling easier.
4
While peppers are cooling, prepare the other ingredients: peel the garlic cloves and wash and chop the parsley.
5
Once cooled, peel off the skin from the peppers, remove the seeds, and cut into chunks.
6
In a food processor, combine the roasted peppers, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, crumbled feta cheese, smoked paprika, chili pepper flakes, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
7
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as desired.
8
Transfer the dip into a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.
9
Before serving, garnish with a few whole olives and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
4.8g
Protein
0.83g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mediterranean Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Dip?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean dip featuring smoky roasted red peppers, creamy feta cheese, and zesty lemon, perfect for veggies, pita chips, or bread.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip?
The main ingredients are red bell peppers, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, feta cheese, smoked paprika, chili pepper flakes, lemon juice, parsley, and olives.
How do I roast the red bell peppers?
Roast them directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until the skins are blistered and blackened on all sides.
How long does it take to roast the peppers?
Roasting typically takes about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Why should I steam the peppers after roasting?
Steaming the roasted peppers in a bag or covered bowl for 10 minutes makes peeling the skins much easier.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this dip vegan?
While the recipe calls for feta cheese, you can use a vegan feta alternative to make it suitable for vegan diets.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 142 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 4.8g of protein.
What is the fat content of this dip?
There are 12g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 3.5g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 0.83g of fiber.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 2 cups of crumbled feta cheese.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 peeled garlic cloves.
What spices give the dip its flavor?
Smoked paprika and chili pepper flakes are used to provide smokiness and a bit of heat.
Is the dip spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1/2 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
What is the recommended chilling time?
The dip should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld.
How should I garnish the dip before serving?
Garnish with a few whole olives and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
What equipment is needed to blend the ingredients?
A food processor is recommended to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes, though fresh charred peppers provide better flavor, jarred peppers can be used for convenience.
Is this dip a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is nutrient-packed and uses healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil.
How should I prepare the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before being placed into the food processor.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It pairs excellently with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or warm crusty bread.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Should I add salt and pepper?
After blending the ingredients, you should taste the dip and season with salt and pepper as desired.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients used in this recipe.