This 5-minute Marinated Feta Cheese With Herbs is a simple Mediterranean staple made with feta, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil. It comes together quickly and adds bold, bright flavor to salads, mezze boards, and easy weeknight meals. Keep a jar on hand and you will find yourself reaching for it often.
Marinated Feta Cheese At A Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: 5 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 6
- 🌍 Cuisine Type: Mediterranean
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Savory and herb-forward with bright lemon zest and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes
- 🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, vegetarian; contains dairy (feta cheese)
- 🧊 Storage Notes: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days; bring to room temperature before serving
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: A simple, make-ahead Mediterranean staple that adds instant flavor to salads, mezze boards, toast, and pasta dishes with almost no effort
I tend to keep at least one easy cheese appetizer in my back pocket, and this marinated feta is one of the simplest. It comes together in minutes, sits happily in the fridge, and somehow makes even the most casual gathering feel a little more intentional. It's the kind of recipe that earns its spot because it actually gets used.
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If you're looking for other easy cheese appetizers, there are plenty of simple options to rotate into your routine. My Baked Brie is perfect when you want something warm and comforting, while Baked Cheese is a great choice for a cozy, oven-ready appetizer. For no-cook options, Marinated Mozzarella offers a similar make-ahead ease, and Whipped Ricotta is ideal when you're craving something creamy and versatile.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this feta cheese recipe:
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Ingredient Notes
- Feta Cheese - Use a block of feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta. I tested both but the block holds its shape, softens slightly as it marinates, and absorbs the herbs and oil without turning mushy. The crumbled feta didn't really work.
- Fresh Herbs - Parsley, dill, and thyme give this marinated feta its fresh, herb-forward flavor, while oregano adds a more traditional Mediterranean note. I tested this with both fresh and dried herbs and found that fresh herbs work best and give the most amount of flavor.
- Olive Oil - The olive oil adds flavor. Choose the best quality of olive oil that you can find. I typically buy mine direct from a company that produces the olive oil, like Laconiko instead of from a grocery store.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Marinated Feta Cheese: Step-By-Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:
Step 1: Cut the feta cheese into cubes and add it to an airtight container or jar.
Step 2: To the jar, add the chopped parsely, dill, thyme, and oregano. Also add the lemon zest and the red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Pour in the olive oil. Mix to combine.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes.
Pro Tip
Let the marinated feta sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so the oils loosen and the flavors shine.
Variations:
- Garlic Herb - Add 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced or lightly crushed. A little goes a long way.
- Lemon Thyme - Increase the thyme and add extra lemon zest for a brighter, more lemon-forward version that works especially well with grilled vegetables.
- Spicy Feta - Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of Aleppo pepper for more heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomato - Stir in a few finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and color. This variation is great for salads and pasta dishes.
- Olives And Feta - Add a small handful of chopped Kalamata olives for a briny, savory twist that pairs beautifully with the feta.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Adjust the quantities in half for each of the herbs if using dried.
Yes. I also tested this with a ½ cup of olive oil along with a ½ cup of avocado oil. The avocado oil is neutral while the olive oil gives flavor.
Other Appetizers
Let me know your thoughts on this Marinated Feta Cheese by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
5-Minute Marinated Feta Cheese With Herbs
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Equipment
- 1 2 cup jar with a lid
Ingredients
- 6 ounces feta cheese cut into squares
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dill chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon zested
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the feta to a 2 cup airtight jar or container.6 ounces feta cheese
- Add the parsley, thyme, dill, oregano, lemon zest, and the red pepper flakes to the jar.1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, 1 lemon
- Pour in the olive oil and mix to combine.1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.kosher salt, ground black pepper
- Let it sit at least 30 minutes to marinate before serving.
Gwen says
You will love this recipe!