Looking for a stunning appetizer to impress on Mother’s Day or any sunny weekend brunch? This Whipped Feta Dip with Macerated Strawberries is the ultimate mix of creamy, salty, and sweet. It’s simple, sophisticated, and full of vibrant flavors that feel like spring in every bite. With its luscious whipped cheese base and juicy strawberries, it’s a show-stopping dish you’ll want to make all season long.
The magic starts with the contrast — the tanginess of feta meets the natural sweetness of strawberries that have been gently macerated in sugar and lemon. It’s the kind of recipe that looks fancy but takes only minutes to pull together. Serve it with slices of toasted baguette or crispy pita chips, and watch it disappear in no time.
What Are Macerated Strawberries?
Macerated strawberries sound more complicated than they are. The process is simply tossing sliced or whole berries with a little sugar (and sometimes lemon juice) and letting them sit for a bit. As they rest, the sugar draws out the fruit’s natural juices, creating a syrupy coating that’s irresistible.
The result? Soft, juicy strawberries that glisten in their own sweet syrup — perfect for spooning over creamy whipped feta, pancakes, or even ice cream. The best part is how it enhances the fruit’s flavor, making even average berries taste like they came straight from the farmers market.
Tips for a Smooth and Creamy Whip
If you want that cloud-like, ultra-smooth texture for your whipped feta, your equipment matters. A high-speed blender or food processor makes all the difference. It helps break down the cheese completely and gives you that rich, spreadable consistency you see in restaurant-quality dips.
If you only have a basic food processor, no worries — just give it an extra minute or two of blending time. You can also drizzle in a bit of olive oil to help everything blend smoothly.
Here’s another tip: the type of cottage cheese you use can slightly change the texture. Full-fat cottage cheese adds richness and silkiness, while fat-free options keep things lighter and high in protein. Both work beautifully — it’s all about what you have on hand.
Ingredients and Simple Swaps
The beauty of this dip is that it’s flexible. Below is the base recipe, but feel free to adjust depending on your taste or what’s in your kitchen.
- Cottage Cheese – Choose any type you like. Higher fat will yield a richer dip, while fat-free makes it lighter and protein-packed.
- Feta Cheese – A block of feta in brine gives the best flavor and creaminess. Crumbled feta can work too, but you may need to blend longer.
- Olive Oil – Adds smoothness and a touch of flavor. If your cottage cheese is high in fat, you can skip it.
- Sea Salt – Adjust depending on how salty your cheeses are. Always taste before adding extra.
- Strawberries – Use fresh strawberries for the best texture. Frozen ones tend to release too much liquid.
- Sugar – White sugar helps the strawberries release their juices perfectly.
- Lemon Zest and Juice – Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Basil – Brings everything together with a fresh, herby note.
Try a Sweet Twist: Honey & Pistachio
When strawberries aren’t in season, swap them out for a honey and pistachio topping. The nutty crunch pairs beautifully with whipped feta, and the drizzle of honey adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a great way to enjoy this dip year-round!
How to Serve It
Spread your whipped feta in a shallow bowl, top generously with the macerated strawberries, and serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or even crisp cucumber slices. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a casual snack.
Whether you’re making it for Mother’s Day brunch, a weekend gathering, or a solo treat, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
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Whipped Feta Dip with Macerated Strawberries
- Total Time: 5 min
Description
A creamy, savory-sweet dip that combines tangy whipped feta with juicy macerated strawberries. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or any spring celebration. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crunchy pita chips for a light yet indulgent appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta Dip:
16 oz (450 g) fat-free cottage cheese (or full-fat for extra creaminess)
7 oz (200 g) feta cheese in brine, drained
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, helps with blending)
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
For the Macerated Strawberries:
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (about 300 g)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (25 g)
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
3 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
-
Macerate the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, combine chopped strawberries with sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes. The berries will release their juices and become glossy. Right before serving, stir in the sliced basil. -
Whip the Feta:
Add cottage cheese, feta, olive oil, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure an even texture. -
Assemble the Dip:
Spoon the whipped feta mixture into a shallow serving bowl. Create a small well in the center and spoon over the macerated strawberries. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, pita bread, or crisp veggies.
Notes
- For Extra Smoothness: Use a high-speed blender and drizzle in a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Season Carefully: Feta is naturally salty — always taste before adding extra salt.
- Make Ahead: You can make the whipped feta up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill. Add the strawberries right before serving for the best texture.
- Flavor Twists: Try topping with honey and pistachios, roasted grapes, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze when strawberries aren’t available.
- Prep Time: 5 min
