This creamy feta dressing is zesty and smooth, perfect for drizzling over salads or dipping veggies. Made with tangy feta and a touch of lemon, it adds a tasty kick!
Just whip it up in a blender, and you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought dressings! It’s great to have on hand for quick salads or even as a fun dip. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: This is the star of the dressing! For a milder flavor, try using goat cheese instead. You can also use low-fat feta if you’re watching calories!
Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt or unsweetened cashew yogurt works well. I find Greek yogurt gives the best taste and thickness.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness to the dressing. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with vegan mayo or skip it altogether for a lighter version!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful flavor. You could use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. I love the kick fresh garlic provides, but adjust based on your preference.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill add freshness. If you don’t have dill, feel free to use chives or omit it entirely. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch—just adjust the amounts since they’re more concentrated!
How Do I Achieve the Best Creamy Texture for My Dressing?
The key to achieving a silky smooth texture ready for drizzling lies in blending. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Use a high-speed blender or food processor for the smoothest results. If you only have a hand blender, ensure your ingredients are well integrated.
- Start with your base ingredients (feta, yogurt, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and oil) and blend until creamy. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the herbs afterward and pulse a few times. This way, you’ll keep the herbs visible for a nice presentation!
If your dressing is too thick, just add water gradually. Start with one tablespoon, and remember, you can always add more if needed. The goal is to make it pourable but not too runny!
How to Make Creamy Feta Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin as needed)
Time Needed:
This creamy feta dressing takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors deepen. So you can whip it up quickly and then let it sit while you prepare your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base Ingredients:
Start by placing the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil into a blender or food processor. Blend all these ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This should take about 30 seconds, so go ahead and watch that magic happen!
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, it’s time to bring in the flavors! Add in the finely chopped parsley and optional dill. Give your blender a few short pulses to mix in the herbs. You want to ensure they’re integrated but still keep some delightful texture—nobody likes a totally smooth dressing here!
3. Adjust the Consistency:
If you find that the dressing is too thick for your liking, that’s easy to fix! Add water one tablespoon at a time, blending in between, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it pourable but still a bit thick for dipping!
4. Season to Taste:
Now for the fun part—tasting! Give it a little taste and adjust as needed. If you think it needs salt or fresh black pepper, sprinkle in a bit and blend again. Keep in mind that feta cheese can be salty, so adjust slowly!
5. Chill the Dressing:
Once you’re happy with the taste, transfer the dressing to a jar or container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step lets those flavors blend beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, it tastes so much better when chilled!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creamy feta dressing! Drizzle it over your favorite salads or use it as a dip for fresh veggies. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor—your taste buds will thank you!
This creamy feta dressing is fresh and tangy with a smooth texture, enhanced by fresh herbs and a bright lemon zing—perfect to elevate any salad or as a flavorful dip. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Feta Cheese?
Absolutely! Store-bought crumbled feta is convenient and will work just as well as homemade. If you’re using a block of feta, crumble it yourself for freshness!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you need a different option, plain sour cream can work well. For a dairy-free version, try cashew yogurt or coconut yogurt, keeping in mind they may slightly alter the flavor.
How Long Does This Dressing Last in the Fridge?
The creamy feta dressing will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Make This Dressing Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, you can substitute the feta with a plant-based feta alternative and use vegan mayonnaise or omit the mayo altogether. Adjust the lemon juice for extra tang if desired!