Green Goddess Feta Dip Recipe

Name: Green Goddess Feta Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 5 ounces feta cheese; 1 avocado; 3/4 cup olive oil; 2 limes, juiced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup green onions; 1 garlic clove; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; salt, to taste

This creamy and flavorful dip is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients. Perfect as a spread, dip, or even a topping for salads and grilled dishes. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

5 ounces feta cheese
1 avocado, peeled and pitted
3/4 cup olive oil
2 limes, juiced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions

In a food processor, combine feta cheese, avocado, olive oil, lime juice, parsley, cilantro, green onions, garlic, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 210
Total Fat: 21g (27% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (22% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 11mg (4% Daily Value)
Sodium: 161mg (7% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 5g (2% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g (5% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 10mg (11% Daily Value)
Calcium: 72mg (6% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (3% Daily Value)
Potassium: 205mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data. If you are on a restricted diet, please consult a healthcare professional before making this recipe.

History of Green Goddess Feta Dip

The Green Goddess Feta Dip is a contemporary twist on the classic Green Goddess dressing, which originated in the United States in the 1920s. The original dressing was created at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and named in honor of actor George Arliss, who starred in the play The Green Goddess. Traditionally made with mayonnaise, sour cream, chervil, tarragon, and anchovy, this modern version replaces the creamy base with feta and avocado, adding a tangy, savory flavor and a creamy texture that suits a variety of dishes.

Regional Characteristics

While the original Green Goddess dressing has a distinctly Californian origin, the feta-based variant has gained popularity in Mediterranean-influenced regions of the United States. The use of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, combined with lime juice and avocado, reflects a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin American culinary trends. This dip showcases the flexibility of American cuisine in incorporating regional flavors while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Green Goddess Feta Dip differs from standard cheese dips or hummus primarily in its flavor profile and texture. Unlike a plain feta spread or cream cheese dip, it combines the richness of feta with the creamy smoothness of avocado and the fresh brightness of herbs and lime. Compared to traditional Green Goddess dressing, it is thicker and more versatile, allowing it to be used as a dip, spread, or even a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dip is commonly served as an appetizer with crackers, chips, or raw vegetable sticks. It also complements grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables, making it suitable for casual gatherings, dinner parties, or picnic spreads. Restaurants with modern American or Mediterranean-inspired menus often feature this dip as part of a shareable appetizer platter, highlighting its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Interesting Facts

The dips striking green color comes from fresh herbs and avocado, making it visually appealing for presentation.
Feta cheese adds a salty tang that balances the creamy avocado, creating a unique flavor combination not commonly found in other dips.
It can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it a quick yet elegant addition to any meal.
The recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to vegan diets by substituting feta with plant-based alternatives.
Its versatility has made it popular on social media, where colorful dips are often showcased in creative serving bowls and with gourmet dippers.

FAQ about Green Goddess Feta Dip Recipe

Store the Green Goddess Feta Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you notice the dip becomes too thick after refrigerating, you can stir in a little extra olive oil to return it to a smoother consistency.

Yes, this dip can be made in advance. It’s ideal to prepare it up to 1-2 days ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

While it's not recommended to freeze this dip, you can freeze it if needed. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing, particularly the creaminess of the avocado and feta.

This dip is versatile and can be served with chips, crackers, raw vegetables, or pita bread. It also works wonderfully as a topping for grilled meats like chicken or steak.

Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding ingredients like jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Blend them in with the rest of the ingredients to your desired spice level.

Yes, the Green Goddess Feta Dip is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. It makes a great option for those following a gluten-free or keto diet.

The preparation time for this dip is just 10 minutes. It’s a quick and easy appetizer to prepare.

You can try substituting Greek yogurt for the feta cheese if you prefer a creamier dip. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you could use vegan feta or another plant-based alternative. You can also swap the cilantro with basil or mint if desired.

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. It’s perfect for a small gathering or as a side dish to share.

Comments

Frank Baker

10/09/2022 02:06:23 PM

I absolutely adore this recipe! Being on a low-carb diet, it's perfect for me. I slice it into triangles, fry up some low-carb wraps (using Mission Carb Balance), and dip them into this delicious dip. It's absolutely fantastic! I could easily make a whole meal out of it!