If you’re looking to brighten up your St Patrick’s Day celebrations with a dish that’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, then you’ve found a winner. The Ultimate St Patrick’s Day Whipped Feta Dip Recipe perfectly combines tangy feta, zesty lemon, and herbaceous scallions blended into a dreamy, airy dip topped with a lively homemade salsa verde. It’s a wonderful balance of textures and tastes that can dance on your palate and bring a fresh jump to any party table. Plus, it’s so simple to make yet impressively flavorful—this dip will quickly become your new favorite go-to appetizer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating a dip that’s bursting with bright color and bold flavor. Each element plays a crucial role: the feta brings that signature salty tang, Greek yogurt adds luxurious creaminess, and fresh herbs pack in a burst of garden-fresh vibrancy that’s visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.
- 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled): Choose a good-quality feta for the best tang and creaminess.
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt: This gives the dip a luscious smooth texture and balances the saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend flavors harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dip with a fresh citrus zing.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a mild peppery warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 bunch scallions (spring onions): Charred for smoky depth, then blended into a flavorful salsa verde.
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves: Delivers herbal brightness and that unmistakable green pop of color.
- 1 small garlic clove: Just enough to add savory layers without overwhelming the dip.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balanced carefully to not overshadow the feta’s saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- ½ cup olive oil: Used to emulsify the salsa verde, creating a luscious, spreadable topping.
How to Make The Ultimate St Patrick’s Day Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Step 1: Char the Scallions
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat to get the perfect char. Toss the whole scallions into the pan and cook until they soften and develop those lovely, smoky grill marks on both sides. This charring process adds an irresistible depth to the dip’s salsa verde component. After charring, set them aside to cool just enough for chopping.
Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde
Roughly chop the cooled scallions and transfer them into a food processor along with fresh parsley leaves, a peeled garlic clove, salt, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Pour in the olive oil to help create that thick, spoonable texture. Pulse the mixture gently—you want it thick and chunky rather than a smooth paste. This salsa verde is a vibrant, herbaceous counterpoint that makes the dip so special.
Step 3: Whip the Feta
In a clean food processor bowl, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy, creating a whipped consistency that’s almost mousse-like. This technique is key—blending the feta and yogurt transforms the dip from crumbly to luxuriously fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Dip
Spread the whipped feta mixture into a shallow serving bowl, smoothing the top with a spatula. Spoon the charred scallion salsa verde generously over the whipped feta, allowing some of that beautiful olive oil to naturally drizzle over the surface. The contrasting green and white layers not only look stunning but invite every guest to dive in with excitement.
How to Serve The Ultimate St Patrick’s Day Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Turning this dip into a showstopper is easy when you add simple garnishes. Fresh parsley sprigs add a pop of vibrant green, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can really highlight that spicy edge. A few lemon zest curls or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the dip’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This whipped feta dip pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it alongside freshly toasted pita chips, crisp vegetable sticks like cucumbers and carrots, or even hearty crackers. Its versatility means you can keep it casual with chips or dress it up on a beautiful mezze platter for guests to graze on.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is key when you want to impress. Try layering the dip and salsa verde in a clear glass bowl for a stunning visual effect. Or swirl the salsa verde through the whipped feta for a marbled look. For an extra festive touch, plate the dip with edible flowers or scatter pistachios on top for texture and color contrast, making your appetizer truly one-of-a-kind.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dip stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because feta and yogurt keep well, the flavors will meld even more, giving you a taste that’s sometimes better the next day. Just be sure to stir gently to reincorporate any separation before serving.
Freezing
While the texture of whipped feta dip is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Store in a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind the yogurt component may alter the dip’s smoothness slightly after thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then give it a good stir to refresh the creaminess.
Reheating
Since this dip is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t generally recommended. Instead, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and release all its flavors and aromas.
FAQs
Can I use vegan feta or yogurt substitutes?
Absolutely! There are some fantastic plant-based feta-style cheeses and dairy-free yogurts available. For best texture and flavor, choose full-fat varieties and blend thoroughly to mimic the creamy consistency of the original.
Is it possible to make this dip without a food processor?
While a food processor makes whipping and blending easier and smoother, you can carefully mash the feta with a fork and finely chop the scallions and parsley, then mix everything vigorously by hand to combine. You won’t get the same silky texture but the flavors will still shine.
How spicy is the dip with the optional red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the creaminess of the dip. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit altogether if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I prepare the salsa verde and whipped feta in advance?
Yes! Both components can be prepared a day before and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble them just before serving to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.
Is this dip suitable for kids?
Most kids will enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors, especially if you leave out the red pepper flakes. The tang of feta is mild enough to appeal to younger palates but do check individual taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
You simply have to try The Ultimate St Patrick’s Day Whipped Feta Dip Recipe at your next gathering—it’s a fantastic way to add a burst of color and flavor to your table. Beyond the festive holiday, it’s a versatile dip that shines year-round, impressing guests and family alike with its fresh ingredients and delightful creaminess. Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll soon become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire!
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The Ultimate St Patrick’s Day Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish, Mediterranean-inspired
Description
This vibrant and creamy whipped feta dip combines tangy feta cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt, charred scallions, fresh parsley, and a zesty salsa verde for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any festive gathering. The dip boasts a delightful contrast between smooth whipped cheese and herbaceous, slightly spicy salsa, perfect for serving with vegetables, pita, or crackers.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Dip
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salsa Verde
- 1 bunch scallions (spring onions)
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Char the Scallions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the whole scallions and cook them until they are softened and lightly charred on both sides. Remove from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make the Salsa Verde: Roughly chop the charred scallions. Transfer them to a food processor along with parsley, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and olive oil. Pulse the mixture until it becomes thick and spoonable, making sure not to blend it too smooth to preserve texture.
- Whip the Feta: Using a clean food processor, blend the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped feta mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Generously spoon the green salsa verde over the top, allowing some of the olive oil to drip naturally across the surface for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve with fresh raw vegetables, warm pita bread, or toasted crackers for dipping.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess; low-fat versions may affect texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a food processor, use a blender or mix by hand, though texture may vary slightly.
