Description
This recipe features vibrant cubes of feta and halloumi cheese marinated in a zesty, herby extra virgin olive oil blend with garlic, lemon, sumac, and za’atar. It makes for an easy, healthy, and high-protein appetizer or snack perfect for family meals or unexpected guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 g (7 oz) cubed feta cheese
- 200 g (7 oz) cubed halloumi cheese
- 200 ml (0.85 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- 10 g (2 tsp) sumac
- 15 g (1 tbsp) za’atar
- 2 g (0.5 tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 g (0.5 tsp) salt
- 1 g (0.25 tsp) black pepper
- 60 g (0.25 cup) pomegranate arils, for garnish
- 30 g (0.25 cup) pistachios, toasted and chopped, for garnish
- 10 g (0.25 cup) fresh mint, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine 200 g (7 oz) cubed feta and 200 g (7 oz) cubed halloumi (1.5 cm (0.6 inch) pieces), ensuring they are uniformly cut.
- Whisk Marinade Base: In a small bowl, whisk 200 ml (0.85 cup) extra virgin olive oil with 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and lemon zest/juice until slightly cloudy.
- Season Marinade: Add 10 g (2 tsp) sumac, 15 g (1 tbsp) za’atar, 2 g (0.5 tsp) red pepper flakes (if using), 2 g (0.5 tsp) salt, and 1 g (0.25 tsp) black pepper. Stir until combined.
- Combine And Chill: Pour the prepared marinade over the cheeses. Gently fold until all cheese pieces are coated and glistening. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld. (If dry, ensure pieces are submerged.)
- Temper Cheese: Remove the marinated cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to bring it to a palatable room temperature, enhancing its creamy texture.
- Prepare Garnish: Separate 60 g (0.25 cup) pomegranate arils. Toast 30 g (0.25 cup) pistachios in a 10-inch skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then chop them. Chop 10 g (0.25 cup) fresh mint.
- Plate And Serve: Spoon the marinated cheese and oil into a shallow dish, arranging evenly. Generously scatter the bright pomegranate arils, toasted pistachios, and fresh mint over the top for visual contrast and crunch.
Notes
For dairy-free options, use a firm plant-based cheese alternative. To ensure the best flavor, make sure the cheese is fully submerged in the marinade. Serve at room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating, Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx 100 g)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
Keywords: marinated cheese, appetizer, healthy, high-protein, easy snack, feta, halloumi, Mediterranean, party food, make-ahead