Dairy | Vegetarian Diet (if rennet-free) Keto

Feta Cheese

N/A (Derived from Milk) Allergens: Milk
feta cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Bovidae (Sheep/Goat)
  • Primary Cuisine Greek|Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sheep's Milk|Goat's Milk

The Forktionary Angle

"Embracing the piquant punch of Greece's quintessential crumbly cheese."

Definition

A brined curd white cheese traditionally made in Greece from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk, known for its salty, tangy, and crumbly texture.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Tangy, Pungent, Slightly Sour
TextureCrumbly, Creamy (when warmed)
AromaSharp, Briny
AcidityHigh

Technical Metrics

Calcium Content (per 100g)

~493mg

PDO Status Origin (EU)

Greece (2002)

Shelf Life (Refrigerated, Brined)

Up to 3 Weeks

Nutrition Facts

Per 28 g (1 oz)
Calories264 kcal
Total Fat21.3 g
Saturated Fat14.9 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol89 mg
Protein14.2 g
Total Carbohydrate4.1 g
Dietary Fiber0.0 g
Total Sugars4.1 g
Calcium493 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Potassium62 mg

Chef’s Secret

To reduce the saltiness of feta, soak it in cold water or milk for 15-30 minutes before serving. Store in its brine or fresh water.

Substitutions

Best Match

Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

1:1

Similar tangy, earthy flavor and crumbly texture, often less salty.

Halloumi Cheese

1:1

Salty, firm cheese that holds shape when cooked; lacks the crumbly texture.

Ricotta Salata

1:1

Salty, firm, and crumbly, but milder and less tangy.

Vegan Feta (Plant-based)

1:1

Dairy-free option mimicking the salty, tangy profile and crumbly texture.

Buying Guide

Look for feta stored in brine for best flavor and texture. Avoid dry, yellowed, or extremely crumbly blocks.

Flavor Pairings

Olives Tomatoes Cucumber Onions Watermelon Spinach Lamb Chicken Pasta Pita Bread Oregano.

Recipes Using Feta Cheese

Course Time To Make Main Ingredient Seasonal

Al Fresco Bread

Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this rustic Al Fresco Bread recipe! This adaptable recipe allows you to create a delicious, crusty loaf bursting with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or a delightful side dish. The key is using dry ingredients and building your filling strategically to prevent a soggy bottom. Enjoy the simple pleasure of fresh, homemade bread!

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Time To Make Cuisine Main Ingredient Greek

Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe

Experience the ultimate gyro meat recipe, perfected by Alton Brown! This mouthwatering blend of succulent lamb and savory ground beef is incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you prefer the oven-baked meatloaf method or the impressive rotisserie approach, the result is a juicy, tender gyro that's guaranteed to impress. Detailed instructions guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect gyro every time. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Preparation Occasion Low In Something Presentation

Amazing Watermelon Greek Salad With Feta

This refreshing summer salad will WOW your taste buds! The sweet, juicy watermelon is surprisingly delicious paired with salty feta, briny olives, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. A delightful balance of sweet and savory, this recipe is inspired by a memorable cafe salad and is easily customizable to your liking. Add fresh basil or mint for an extra burst of flavor, or skip the balsamic altogether – the feta and olives provide plenty of punch! Prepare to be amazed by this unexpected flavor combination.

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Lunch Taste Mood Holiday Event Easy

Another Wonderful Potato Salad With Leeks

This vibrant potato salad elevates the classic with the delightful combination of leeks, salty feta, and briny black olives. It's surprisingly light, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Adapted from Canadian Living magazine, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! #potatosalad #leek #feta #olives #summerrecipe #canadianrecipe #easyrecipe #lightrecipe

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Low Cholesterol Low In Something Salads Low Cholesterol

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Whip up this vibrant Antipasto Pasta Salad in just 15 minutes! A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad bursting with Italian charm, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a potluck hit. This recipe, inspired by a coworker's secret, is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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Salads 30 Minutes Or Less Fruit Course

Apple And Toasted Pecan Salad With Honey Poppy Seed Dressing

Joan's award-winning Apple & Toasted Pecan Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory! This recipe features crisp apples, crunchy toasted pecans, and a luscious honey poppy seed dressing. Easily customizable to your liking, this salad makes a light lunch or a hearty main course with the addition of grilled chicken or other protein. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Occasion Time To Make Low Sodium 30 Minutes Or Less

Apple Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

A festive and refreshing Apple Salad with a tangy Cranberry Vinaigrette, perfect for your holiday gatherings! This vibrant salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and tart cranberries, all tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Get ready for a burst of holiday flavor in every bite!

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Weeknight Served Hot 60 Minutes Or Less Nut Free

Athena's Ma Cropolis Rsc

Elevate your mac and cheese game with this Greek-inspired twist! Imagine creamy, dreamy mac and cheese infused with the bold, salty tang of blue cheese-stuffed olives. This recipe, inspired by Hidden Valley Ranch, transforms a classic comfort food into a sophisticated dish worthy of the gods. Easy to make, yet impressive to serve, it's the perfect showstopper for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed!

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Greens North American Greens American

Avocado Feta Honeydew On Greens Topped With Pine Nuts

Escape the ordinary with this vibrant Avocado Feta Honeydew Salad! Sweet honeydew melon, creamy avocado, salty feta, and crunchy pine nuts create a symphony of flavors and textures. A refreshing and healthy salad perfect for a light lunch, summer dinner, or a sophisticated appetizer. This easy recipe comes together in minutes!

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Preparation Course Occasion Side Dishes

Award Winning Stuffed Baby Portabella Mushrooms Cremini

These show-stopping stuffed portabella mushrooms won the grand prize at the Gilroy Garlic Festival! Imagine succulent mushroom caps brimming with creamy feta, fragrant rosemary, and the intense flavor of 5 roasted garlic heads, all wrapped in crispy prosciutto. Jennifer Malfas's winning recipe is easier than you think – a delicious and impressive dish perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat.

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Stews Course Sauces 4 Hours Or Less

Babette's Colossal Crockpot Chili Ragu

This hearty and bold chili ragu, a Ragú® recipe contest entry, is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters! Imagine tender Italian sausage, succulent stewed tomatoes, and rich black beans simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. Topped with creamy feta, this colossal chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing feast. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Time To Make Course Time To Make Salads

Baby Arugula And Walnut Salad In A Tomato Bowl

Impress your guests with this stunning Baby Arugula and Walnut Salad, served in a vibrant tomato bowl! This light and flavorful salad is the perfect appetizer or starter for any dinner party. The delicate arugula is perfectly complemented by crunchy walnuts (use sparingly!), creating a delightful textural contrast. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Learn how to create this show-stopping salad today!

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Cheese Eggs Dairy Brunch 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Cherry Tomatoes And Feta

Impress your guests with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Cherry Tomatoes and Feta appetizer! Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes burst with flavor alongside creamy feta and fragrant garlic, all bathed in olive oil. A stunning presentation makes this perfect for parties or a simple weeknight treat. Easily customizable – garlic lovers, rejoice!

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30 Minutes Or Less Dinner Party Beginner Cook Finger Food

Baked Feta With Marinara

Indulge in this elegant and healthy appetizer or snack! Our Baked Feta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Marinara is incredibly easy to make – simply mix and bake! This vibrant dish also makes a delicious dip, perfect for dipping crusty bread. Inspired by Cooking Light magazine, it's the perfect guilt-free treat to kickstart your healthy eating goals. (2 bread slices with 2 tablespoons dip = 1 serving)

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Dietary Time To Make Vegetables Seasonal

Baked Feta Stuffed Tomatoes

Escape the summer heat with this light yet satisfying Baked Feta Stuffed Tomatoes recipe! Juicy tomatoes are filled with a creamy feta, herb, and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection. A perfect side dish or light meal, this Southern Living inspired recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and refreshing dinner.

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Beginner Cook 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Course

Baked Rigatoni With Ham And Feta

This cheesy, baked rigatoni recipe is a flavor explosion! Creamy half-and-half, savory ham, tangy feta, and sweet tomatoes create a comforting and irresistible dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have you coming back for seconds!

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Shrimp One Dish Meal Equipment Time To Make

Basil Shrimp With Feta And Orzo

This light and flavorful Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo recipe, inspired by Cooking Light, is a weeknight winner! Enjoy juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, creamy feta, and fresh basil in a single foil packet—minimal cleanup required! Ready in under an hour, it's the perfect healthy and delicious meal for a busy week.

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Breakfast Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2 Course

Poached Egg Avocado Surprise

Elevate your breakfast routine with this delightful twist on classic poached eggs! This recipe combines creamy avocado with perfectly poached eggs on toasted sourdough for a satisfying and surprisingly quick meal. A perfect brunch recipe for weekend mornings or a healthy week day breakfast.

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