Feta Salad Dressing
A vibrant and tangy feta salad dressing with roasted red pepper, garlic, shallot, and fresh parsley, perfect for brightening salads and grilled vegetables with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To roast the bell pepper, char it over an open flame until all sides are blackened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Place the roasted bell pepper in a bowl, cover, and let steam until cooled.
- Peel the bell pepper, cut off the top, and discard the seeds.
- Chop the roasted bell pepper to measure 1 tablespoon and reserve the remaining for other uses.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted bell pepper, garlic, shallot, parsley, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, pineapple juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Slowly add the olive oil while blending until the dressing is emulsified.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve over salads or vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried herbs like oregano or basil can work as substitutes. For a sweeter taste, you can replace the pineapple juice with orange juice. Make sure to blend well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
This feta salad dressing is perfect over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken. Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Herbed-Stuffed Tomatoes or Cold Cucumber, Sour Cream Salad. Drizzle over lentil salads for added flavor and a creamy texture that complements the earthy lentils.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If the dressing thickens, simply whisk in a little water or additional vinegar to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Feta Salad Dressing contains roughly 82 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1801mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dressing can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. Be sure to shake or stir well before using, as some separation may occur.
Is there a vegan substitute for the feta cheese?
Yes, you can use a vegan feta cheese alternative or omit it entirely for a lighter dressing. Adding nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What type of salads work best with this dressing?
This dressing complements a wide variety of salads, especially those featuring fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or grains. It’s also great on pasta salads, providing a tangy and creamy contrast that enhances the overall dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).