Marinated Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A bold, savory, and Mediterranean-inspired appetizer made with creamy feta cheese, briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil. This easy no-cook dish is perfect for entertaining, snack boards, salads, or spreading on warm bread.
Description
Marinated Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes combines rich cubes of feta cheese with flavorful olives, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs all soaked in olive oil. As the ingredients marinate together, the flavors intensify into a delicious appetizer bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup mixed olives (green, black, or Kalamata)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 cup olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- Lemon zest
- Roasted red peppers
- Fresh basil
- Cracked peppercorns
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Cube feta cheese.
Slice sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
Drain olives if needed.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
In a clean jar or container, layer:
- feta cubes
- olives
- sun-dried tomatoes
- garlic slices
Sprinkle herbs and seasonings between layers.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil
Pour olive oil over the mixture until fully covered.
Step 4: Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Serve
Serve with:
- crusty bread
- crackers
- pita chips
- salads
- charcuterie boards
Allow mixture to come slightly to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use block feta packed in brine for best texture
- Olive oil may solidify slightly in the refrigerator
- Flavors deepen after marinating overnight
- High-quality olive oil makes a big difference
Tips
- Pat feta dry before marinating
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for brighter flavor
- Use spicy olives for extra kick
- Store in glass jars for best freshness
- Save leftover oil for salad dressing or dipping bread
Servings
- Serves: 6–8 people as appetizer
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
Benefits
Rich Mediterranean Flavor
Balanced savory, tangy, and herbaceous taste.
Great for Entertaining
Elegant appetizer with minimal preparation.
Healthy Fats
Olive oil and olives provide heart-healthy fats.
Versatile Dish
Perfect for spreads, salads, sandwiches, and grazing boards.
Easy No-Cook Recipe
Simple preparation with impressive flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 1 week.
Important
Keep feta fully submerged in oil for freshness.
Serving Tip
Let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving.
Q&A
Can I use crumbled feta?
Block feta works better because it holds shape during marinating.
What olives work best?
Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or mixed Mediterranean olives are excellent.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, basil, thyme, or rosemary add wonderful flavor.
Why did my olive oil harden?
Olive oil naturally solidifies in cold temperatures. Let it warm before serving.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes or spicy peppers.
What can I serve with it?
Bread, crackers, grilled chicken, pasta, or salads pair beautifully.
Can I reuse the oil?
Yes, the infused oil is delicious for dipping bread or salad dressings.