Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

This Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes dish is a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer or side that combines creamy feta cheese with briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for serving with crusty bread or crackers at parties, picnics, or casual gatherings. The saltiness of the feta pairs beautifully with the savory olives and sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a deliciously balanced bite.

Why You’ll Love This Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just a few minutes and requires no cooking, making it perfect for last-minute appetizers.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of creamy feta, salty olives, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, on top of salads, or as part of a mezze platter. It pairs well with a variety of dishes.
• Beautiful Presentation: With its vibrant colors and textures, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.

Key Ingredients for Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Feta Cheese

• Creamy, crumbly feta cheese serves as the base of this dish. You can use block feta for a more rustic look or crumbled feta for easy serving.

2. Olives

• A mix of Kalamata and green olives adds a briny, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the feta. Feel free to use your favorite olive variety.

3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Tangy and slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich depth of flavor to this dish. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.

4. Olive Oil

• A good-quality extra virgin olive oil ties all the ingredients together and enhances the Mediterranean flavors.

5. Herbs

• Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil add brightness and balance to the dish. You can also use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available.

6. Lemon Juice

• Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, citrusy note that brightens the dish and complements the richness of the feta and olives.

How to Make Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This dish is super simple to assemble and can be served in minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cut 1 block (about 8 ounces) of feta cheese into bite-sized cubes or crumble it if preferred. Drain 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of green olives. If the olives have pits, remove them. Drain 1/3 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and slice them into thin strips.

Step 2: Assemble the Dish

• In a shallow serving dish or plate, spread the feta cubes or crumbles evenly. Scatter the olives and sun-dried tomatoes over the feta.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

• Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish for a bright, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Add Herbs

• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano or thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs) over the top. You can also garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of dried red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Step 5: Serve

• Serve immediately with crusty bread, pita, or crackers. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Tips for Making the Best Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Use Good-Quality Ingredients

• Since this dish is simple, the quality of the ingredients really shines through. Use a high-quality feta cheese, good olives, and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

2. Let the Dish Marinate

• While you can serve the dish immediately, letting it sit for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and makes it even more delicious.

3. Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients

• Feel free to add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or capers for extra flavor and variety.

4. Serve with Bread or Crackers

• Serve this dish with crusty bread, pita, or crackers for scooping up the feta and olives. It also pairs well with a simple salad or as part of a larger mezze platter.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with spicy chili oil for a kick of heat.

2. Roasted Garlic and Feta

• Add roasted garlic cloves to the dish for a rich, sweet flavor that complements the salty feta and olives.

3. Feta with Marinated Artichokes

• Toss in marinated artichoke hearts along with the olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra Mediterranean touch.

4. Herbed Feta with Olives

• Mix fresh chopped basil, parsley, and dill into the dish for a burst of fresh herb flavor.

5. Caprese-Style Feta

• Add cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to the feta and olives for a Caprese-inspired dish with a Mediterranean twist.

FAQs: Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Can I Use Crumbled Feta?

• Yes, crumbled feta works perfectly for this recipe if you prefer a softer texture. Just sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the plate before adding the other ingredients.

2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can prepare this dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors will intensify as it sits, but wait to add the fresh herbs and lemon juice until just before serving.

3. What Olives Should I Use?

• Kalamata olives are a great choice for this dish, but you can use any variety of olives you prefer, such as green Castelvetrano or black olives.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring the dish to room temperature before serving.

5. What Can I Serve This With?

• This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pita, crackers, or even as part of a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and other Mediterranean favorites.