You guys already know I love a good side dish, and this basil whipped feta with pan-seared zucchini went above my expectations. The flavors are so fresh and delicious, and this dish makes for the perfect summer side.
The creamy basil whipped feta is made from blended feta cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, fresh basil and a few other simple ingredients. Serve it with pan-seared zucchini and garnish with fresh basil, pistachios and hot honey for an ideal combination of flavors.
Whipped feta is one of my go-to spreads to add to my veggie dishes because it adds the perfect salty touch.
The basil whipped feta us such a good spread to keep in the fridge. I love serving it with roasted or grilled vegetables, but it’s just as delicious as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Other ways to enjoy whipped feta
- Beet Whipped Feta with Roasted Cauliflower
- Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Feta Dip
- Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries with Whipped Feta
Ingredients you’ll need for Basil Whipped Feta and Zucchini
This 30-minute side dish comes together easily and is made with simple ingredients- most of which you may have around!
Pan-seared Zucchini
- 3 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and scored diagonally
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Basil Whipped Feta
- Fresh basil
- Feta cheese
- Ricotta or cottage cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Pinch of salt
- Start by scoring the sliced zucchini with the tip of your knife diagonally, creating 5-6 cuts on the tops of each zucchini half
- Season with salt and pepper then sear in olive oil for 3 minutes per side, until brown
- Prepare the basil whipped feta by blending all of the ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth.
- Spread the whipped feta onto a serving platter and top with the seared zucchini
- Garnish with fresh basil, pistachios, hot honey and flakey salt
Suggestions for serving
I suggest plating the dish no longer than 10-15 minutes before serving. The zucchini will release water if left on top of the whipped feta for too long.
If you plan to serve this to less than 4 people, I would recommend only plating the amount you will eat to keep everything fresh. Refrigerate the grilled zucchini separately, and keep the whipped feta in its own container.
This side dish is so delicious and packed with fresh flavors. It’s an ideal summer appetizer or snack to serve! You guys are going to love it.
More light & fresh recipes you’ll love:
Tofu and Veggie Summer Rolls
Fennel Apple Salad
Lemon Herb Salmon Skewers with Pearl Couscous
Basil Whipped Feta with Pan-seared Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 small/medium zucchini
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Basil Whipped Feta
- 8 oz feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 -2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch salt
Garnishes
- Chopped pistachios
- Fresh, chopped basil
- Hot honey (spicy honey), or regular honey
- Flakey salt
Directions
- Slice off the stem from the zucchini and cut in half lengthwise. Lay the zucchini cut side up on your cutting board. Using the tip of your knife, score the zucchini with about 5-6 cuts diagonally, making sure not to cut through the zucchini.
- Season with salt & pepper.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat then add in about 3 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, place the zucchini cut side down, working in batches if your pan is too small. Sear the zucchini on medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, until browned. Repeat with remaining zucchini and set aside to rest while you prepare the whipped feta.
- Add all of the whipped feta ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add more olive oil as needed to blend.
- To serve, spread the whipped feta onto a serving platter or plate and top with the zucchini, crushed pistachios, chopped basil, hot honey and a pinch of flakey salt (optional)
- Leftover whipped feta can be refrigerated for up to 1 week and served with roasted veggies or as a spread on sandwiches. Leftover zucchini can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or on a pan.
Hope you enjoyed them, Jean!
A really great dish! We fried up a little tempeh to add to it and served with Lebanese flatbread to make it a proper meal and it was amazing.
That sounds so delicious!
My family loved this!