Delicious Feta Cheese Recipes: A Taste of the UK’s Best Culinary Creations

Delicious Feta Cheese Recipes: A Taste of the UK’s Best Culinary Creations

Looking for inspiration with feta cheese? These recipes with feta cheese UK offer a delicious mix of Mediterranean and British favorites. From creamy feta salads and savory tarts to baked dishes and dips, elevate your meals with this tangy, versatile cheese. Perfect for quick dinners, party appetizers, or healthy lunches!

1. Classic Greek Salad

No discussion of feta would be complete without mentioning the classic Greek salad. This refreshing dish combines ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and olives, all drizzled with olive oil and topped liberally with crumbled feta. It’s perfect as a standalone meal or as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats, making it a staple for summer barbecues.

Key Ingredients:

  • Tomatoes (4 medium, cut into wedges)
  • Cucumber (1 English cucumber, sliced into half-moons)
  • Green bell pepper (1, thinly sliced)
  • Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced)
  • Kalamata olives (1 cup, halved)
  • Feta cheese (4-5 ounces, crumbled or cubed)

Signature Greek Salad Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Tips:

  • Do not use leafy greens in an authentic Greek salad
  • Choose fresh, high-quality vegetables
  • Soak red onion in water to reduce harshness
  • Seed cucumber to prevent excess water
  • Use cherry or grape tomatoes for best flavor
  • Drizzle olive oil generously over the salad

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve immediately after dressing
  • Can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving
  • Perfect as a side dish or light lunch
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 250 12%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Protein 8g 16%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%

2. Beetroot & Feta Pasta

This vibrant, nutrient-packed dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. The sweetness of roasted beetroot complements the saltiness of feta, making for a creamy and satisfying pasta.

Key Ingredients:

  • Pasta (400-500g)
  • Cooked beetroot (250-600g)
  • Feta cheese (200g)
  • Garlic cloves (2-4)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Quick Preparation Method:

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente
  2. Blend beetroot, feta, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil into a smooth sauce
  3. Reserve some pasta cooking water
  4. Mix pasta with beetroot sauce, adding cooking water to achieve desired consistency
  5. Top with additional crumbled feta and fresh herbs

Cooking Tips:

  • Use pre-cooked beetroot for faster preparation
  • Pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce
  • Can be prepared in approximately 15-20 minutes
  • Optional additions: fresh dill, parsley, or chili

Variations:

  • Vegan version: Use plant-based feta and crème fraîche
  • Add toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture

Nutritional Highlights:

  • Vibrant pink color from beetroot
  • Rich in nutrients
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Quick and easy weeknight meal
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 450 22%
Protein 15g 30%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Carbohydrates 50g 17%

3. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken

Take a healthier approach with chicken breasts stuffed with a delicious mixture of spinach and feta. This dish is not only delightful but also packed with protein and flavor.

Core Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 5-6 oz spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta
  • Seasonings: garlic, salt, pepper, herbs

Preparation Method:

  1. Prepare Filling
  • Wilt spinach in skillet
  • Mix spinach with feta, cream cheese
  • Add minced garlic, herbs (dill/oregano)
  1. Prepare Chicken
  • Cut horizontal pocket in chicken breast
  • Season chicken exterior with spices
  • Carefully stuff with spinach-feta mixture
  • Secure with toothpicks if needed
  1. Cooking Technique
  • Sear chicken in skillet (3-4 minutes per side)
  • Finish in 400°F oven (15-18 minutes)
  • Internal temperature should reach 165°F

Cooking Tips:

  • Use small to medium chicken breasts
  • Squeeze excess moisture from spinach
  • Don’t cut chicken completely through when creating pocket
  • Can substitute goat cheese for feta

Nutritional Highlights:

  • High protein
  • Low carbohydrate
  • Rich in calcium and iron
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 350-400 18%
Protein 35g 70%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%

4. Feta & Lentil Salad with Mango Chutney

For a unique twist, this salad combines the creaminess of baked feta with lentils and the sweetness of mango chutney, making it a wonderful light meal or side dish.

Salad Components:

  • 1 3/4 cups green lentils
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 English cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Mango Chutney Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • Optional spices: coriander, smoked paprika, cardamom

Preparation Method:

  1. Cook lentils in salted water for 25 minutes until tender
  2. Prepare mango chutney by simmering ingredients for 1-1.5 hours
  3. Make vinaigrette with lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard
  4. Combine cooled lentils with feta, cucumber, and parsley
  5. Dress salad and top with mango chutney

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature
  • Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Great for meal prep
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 400 20%
Protein 18g 36%
Total Fat 22g 28%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%

5. Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savory pie featuring layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a rich spinach and feta cheese mixture. This beloved dish combines simple ingredients to create a delicious vegetarian meal or appetizer.

Key Ingredients:

  • Spinach (1-2 lbs, fresh or frozen)
  • Feta cheese (10-12 oz, crumbled)
  • Phyllo dough
  • Eggs
  • Onions
  • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint)
  • Olive oil
  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, nutmeg

Preparation Method:

  1. Drain spinach thoroughly, removing excess moisture
  2. Sauté onions and garlic
  3. Mix spinach with crumbled feta, eggs, and herbs
  4. Layer phyllo sheets, brushing each with olive oil
  5. Spread spinach-feta filling between phyllo layers
  6. Bake at 325°F for approximately 1 hour until golden brown

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve as a main dish or appetizer
  • Pair with:
    • Greek salad
    • Tzatziki
    • Roasted vegetables
    • Chicken kebabs

Cooking Tips:

  • Use high-quality feta for best flavor
  • Ensure phyllo is completely thawed
  • Brush each phyllo layer generously with olive oil
  • Cut into squares before or after baking
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 350 18%
Protein 15g 30%
Total Fat 25g 32%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%

6. Feta & Sweet Potato Rounds

These sweet potato rounds topped with whipped feta make for a fantastic appetizer or snack, providing a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 sweet potatoes
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Optional seasonings:
    • Smoked paprika
    • Cinnamon
    • Red pepper flakes
  • Optional toppings:
    • Honey
    • Fresh herbs (chives, parsley)
    • Pomegranate seeds

Preparation Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 400-425°F
  2. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-3/4 inch rounds
  3. Toss rounds in olive oil, salt, and chosen seasonings
  4. Arrange on baking sheet with space between rounds
  5. Roast 20-40 minutes, flipping halfway
  6. Top with crumbled feta in last 5 minutes of cooking
  7. Optional: Drizzle with honey and garnish with herbs

Cooking Tips:

  • Choose long, thin sweet potatoes
  • Leave space between rounds for crispy edges
  • Can be served as appetizer or side dish
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Calories 250 12%
Protein 6g 12%
Total Fat 15g 19%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%

Conclusion

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes, whether traditional or modern. From refreshing salads to hearty mains, there are countless ways to incorporate this flavorful cheese into your cooking. Try these recipes to add a spark of Mediterranean flair to your dining table, and enjoy the rich flavors that feta brings to every dish!



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *