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30 Minutes or Less

Whipped Feta Crostini Recipe – 3 ways!

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overhead close up image of whipped feta crostini.

This whipped feta crostini recipe is a flavor-packed, bite-sized wonder that’ll steal the spotlight at your next holiday party! Perfectly toasted crostini and a tangy whipped feta, topped three different ways. This easy appetizer recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

whipped feta crostini 3 ways on a plate with wine and fresh thyme on the side.

What You’ll Need to Make Whipped Feta Crostini

Baguette (1-inch slices): The crunchy canvas for your culinary masterpiece. Go for a good-quality baguette that will hold up to the whipped feta goodness. Or use a gluten-free baguette for an entirely gluten-free appetizer.

Feta: The star of the show! Opt for a high-quality feta for that perfect blend of creaminess and tanginess. I use and recommend this barrel-aged feta.

Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds a touch of smoothness to the whipped feta. It’s the secret ingredient for that irresistible texture.

Good Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of liquid gold to tie it all together. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it’s the finishing touch that elevates this crostini recipe. I use and love this Graza Olive Oil in my whipped feta!

close-up image of whipped feta crostini.

Tips and Tricks

  • Whip It Good: When blending the feta and yogurt, let the mixer work its magic. Whip until the texture is smooth and creamy. You want that dreamy consistency that spreads like a cloud on your crostini.
  • Get Ahead of the Game: This recipe is a winner for planning ahead. Whip the feta mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Toast the baguette slices separately. When it’s party time, assemble the crostini with a dollop of whipped feta right before serving.
  • Top it Off Creatively: Let your creativity shine by trying different toppings. Pomegranate seeds and honey add a burst of sweetness, while sliced pears, walnuts, and honey provide a perfect blend of textures. For a classic touch, go with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt – my favorite!
Whipped Feta Crostini - 3 ways!
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Whipped Feta Crostini – 3 ways!

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: AppetizersDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

This whipped feta crostini is a flavor-packed, bite-sized wonder that’ll steal the spotlight at your next holiday party! Perfectly toasted crostini and a tangy whipped feta, topped three different ways. This easy appetizer recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

  • For the crostini:

  • 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • For the whipped feta:

  • 5 ounce block feta

  • 1/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • pinch of salt

  • For topping:

  • pomegranate seeds

  • sliced pears

  • chopped walnuts

  • honey

  • olive oil

  • flaky salt

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Arrange the baguette slices on the baking sheet and brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted. Remove from oven and let cool while you make the whipped feta.
  • Add the feta, yogurt, olive oil, and salt to a large bowl. Use either a hand or stand mixer to whip the feta until mostly smooth and combined (some lumps of feta may remain).
  • Top each crostini with about a tablespoon of whipped feta, then top however you’d like. I recommend either pomegranate and honey, sliced pears, walnuts, and honey, or olive oil and flaky salt.

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Dip

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bread being dipped into garlic and herb olive oil dip.

A simple olive oil dip with garlic and herbs! It’s loaded with tons of flavor, and comes together in just a few minutes. Make this easy appetizer for your next party or potluck.

overhead image of garlic and herb olive oil dip on a plate.

What You’ll Need to Make Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Dip

Garlic – Duh! Add plenty of fresh minced garlic to your dip. Heck, you can even add more than 3 cloves if you want. More garlic = more better …or at least I think so!

Dried Oregano – Dried oregano is a pantry staple in my opinion. It freshens up any dish, but is dried so you don’t have to worry about it ever going bad. I used 2 teaspoons in this garlic and herb olive oil dip recipe, but feel free to use as much or as little as you’d like. OR, replace the dried oregano with your favorite dried herb or herb blend.

Garlic Powder – Because there can truly never be too much garlic! A touch of garlic powder works to amp up that incredible fresh garlic flavor.

Olive Oil – For an especially delicious olive oil dip, use good quality olive oil like this! I’m a firm believer that high-quality olive oil tastes better. And since we’re not cooking or heating the olive oil in this recipe, you’ll actually be able to taste it. So, skip the cheap stuff for this particular recipe.

Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley is the cherry-on-top of this dip! While optional, I highly recommend you add some. It adds tons of fresh and delicious flavor.

garlic and herb olive oil dip on a plate with bread on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Have fun with this recipe! You can jazz up this garlic and herb olive oil dip however you’d like. Replace the dried oregano with dried Italian seasoning, use as much or as little garlic as you’d like, or throw in some fresh grated parmesan cheese for even more flavor!
  • Serve this dip with any kind of bread. I enjoyed mine with classic french bread – but focaccia, or even sourdough would make for a great pairing. Or, if you’re up for a little fun, drizzle this oil on a sandwich!
  • Prep it ahead of time! Making this olive oil dip for your next party? You can prep it up to one week in advance. Then, simply store in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve. Doing this actually amps up the flavor, since the garlic and herbs have more time to marinate in the olive oil!

This Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Dip is….

Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Dip
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Garlic and Herb Olive Oil Dip

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: AppetizersDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

A simple olive oil dip with garlic and herbs! It’s loaded with tons of flavor, and comes together in just a few minutes. Make this easy appetizer for your next party or potluck.

Ingredients

  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • pinch of red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil

  • bread, for dipping

  • fresh chopped parsley, optional

Directions

  • Add garlic, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes to a medium shallow bowl or plate with high sides.
  • Pour in the olive oil, then stir to combine. Top with an optional sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and serve with bread for dipping!

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30 Minutes or Less

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

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close-up overhead image of mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl.

Fresh and flavorful mediterranean quinoa salad! This simple salad recipe is loaded with healthy veggies and tossed in a simple lemon dressing. Quinoa, chickpeas, olives, sundried tomatoes, basil, and feta – what’s not to love?!

close-up image of mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Quinoa – Start with 2 cups of cooked red or white quinoa (I used white quinoa) for this recipe. To cook quinoa, simply rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa, then add to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, let cool to room temperature before adding to this salad!

Chickpeas – A can of chickpeas adds some extra protein to this grain salad. However, if you don’t like chickpeas, you can leave them out. Or, feel free to swap out the chickpeas with your favorite white bean – canneloni beans or navy beans would also taste great!

Kalamata Olives – This classic mediterranean ingredient adds tons of delicious flavor to this quinoa salad! Either buy pitted kalamata olives, or slice and pit them yourself for this recipe.

Feta – Another staple ingredient in many mediterranean recipes! Feta cheese is deliciously creamy and salty, and takes this salad recipe to the next level. Though if feta’s not your thing, you can leave it out or replace if with your favorite soft white cheese.

mediterranean quinoa salad ingredients separated in a bowl.

Tips and Tricks

  • This salad is great for meal prep! You can fully prep and store this salad in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will only intensify as it sits.
  • Feel free to change up this salad however you’d like! Not a fan of one of the ingredients? Either leave it out or replace it with whatever you prefer. This mediterranean quinoa salad is super easy to customize and make your own.
  • Love this recipe? Try this very similar Jennifer Aniston salad next!
mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl with a glass of water on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Surprise! This mediterranean quinoa salad is already gluten-free! Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain.

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Simply leave out the feta, or swap it out for your favorite non-dairy feta – I love this Violife Vegan Feta.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Fresh and flavorful mediterranean quinoa salad! This simple salad recipe is loaded with healthy veggies and tossed in a simple lemon dressing. Quinoa, chickpeas, olives, sundried tomatoes, basil, and feta – what’s not to love?!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta

  • For the lemon dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Add the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olive, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and feta to a large bowl.
    • mediterranean quinoa salad step 1
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until combined.
    • mediterranean quinoa salad step 2
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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30 Minutes or Less

Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta, and Honey Vinaigrette

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Close-up overhead image of spring mix salad in a bowl.

Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta cheese, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

Overhead image of spring mix salad in a bowl with water on the side.

What You’ll Need To Make Spring Mix Salad

Spring Mix Lettuce – Spring mix is a simple assortment of dark leafy greens. Each brand makes theirs a little differently, but every batch of spring mix is flavorful and super healthy. If you can’t find any spring mix, you can certainly turn this into a spinach salad instead, with 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach.

Sliced Almonds – Every salad needs a little crunch! I love buttery, lightly toasted sliced almonds in my spring mix salad. However, if you don’t have any almonds, any chopped nut will go great in this recipe. Or for a nut-free version, add in some roasted sunflower seeds instead!

Feta Cheese – Some salty feta cheese takes this spring mix salad over the top! Add as much to your salad as your heart desires. Or, if you don’t have any feta, a nice soft goat cheese also tastes great here. And for a vegan or dairy-free option, simply leave the cheese out of the salad – still super tasty!

Honey – A touch of honey balances out the otherwise extremely savory vinaigrette. With plenty of balsamic vinegar, the vinaigrette needs a little sweetness to help mellow it out. And for a vegan version, replace the honey with two tablespoons of maple syrup.

Honey vinaigrette being poured over spring mix salad.

Tips and Tricks

  • Dress the salad right before serving! Avoid storing this salad already dressed, since the vinaigrette will cause the spring mix to wilt. So if prepping ahead of time, keep the honey vinaigrette on the side until ready to eat.
  • Have fun with this healthy salad recipe! This simple lunch or side dish is a great way to use up any fresh veggies or berries you might have on-hand. Strawberries taste delicious in place of the blueberries, and a yellow onion can be subbed in for the red onion.

Add Protein

For a heartier meal, add any of the following:

Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta Cheese, and Honey Vinaigrette
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Spring Mix Salad with Blueberries, Almonds, Feta Cheese, and Honey Vinaigrette

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: Sides, LunchDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

side servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Fresh and seasonal spring mix salad with blueberries, almonds, feta, and a simple honey vinaigrette! The perfect warm-weather lunch or side dish, loaded with healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 5-ounce package spring mix lettuce

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

  • 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese

  • For the honey vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Assemble all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Make the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar with a lid, secure the lid then shake until combined. Drizzle over spring mix salad and enjoy!

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Jennifer Aniston Salad

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close-up image of jennifer aniston salad in a serving bowl

The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

overhead image of Jennifer Aniston salad with pistachios and dressing on the side.

Jennifer Aniston recently described her perfect salad as, “bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios.” And OMG the internet went CRAZY for it! Recipes similar to the salad the Friends actress described quickly popped up all over TikTok. The Jennifer Aniston salad went viral. So, as a foodie and fellow salad-lover, I had to give it a try for myself.

My version of the salad contains everything Jennifer described – bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios – my only addition is a simple lemon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper dressing. Since Jen didn’t offer up a dressing herself, this is what I envisioned a salad like this being tossed in. And let me tell you, it TOTALLY lived up to the hype!

Dressing being poured over the Jennifer Aniston salad.

What You’ll Need to Make the Jennifer Aniston Salad

Bulgur Wheat or Quinoa – In keeping this super authentic to Jen’s recipe, I used bulgur wheat in my salad. However, bulgur wheat can be hard to come by, so I also offer up the option to use quinoa instead. Both are hearty, protein-rich, super nutritious grains. Never had bulgur wheat? It’s most similar to farro or barley, but smaller grain. Bulgur wheat has a nice nutty flavor, and will keep you full without feeling weighed down.

Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas – What’s the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas? Literally nothing! They’re two names for the exact same thing. Jennifer Aniston called them “garbanzo beans,” but I call them “chickpeas,” so that’s what we’re sticking with. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, especially in this salad recipe!

Feta Cheese – Greek brined white cheese, made from sheep’s milk. Feta adds the perfect salty bite to this salad! And because it’s made with sheep’s milk, it has a lower lactose content. Meaning, those whoe are lactose intolerant (aka ME!), may have an easier time tolerating feta cheese. I, personally, can enjoy it in small amounts without any issue. However, if you can’t tolerate feta, or simply need a dairy-free option, check out my “make it vegan” section below!

Parsley and Mint – Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! Fresh parsley and mint are my favorite parts of this salad. They add a super fresh and vibrant component to this recipe. Therefore, don’t leave ’em out!

close-up overhead image of Jennifer Aniston salad.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Yes, bulgur wheat contains gluten. Therefore, opt for quinoa instead of bulgur wheat to make this Jennifer Aniston salad entirely gluten-free.

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: For a vegan/dairy-free salad, either leave out the feta cheese, or replace it with your favorite vegan feta. I love the Violife Vegan Feta, it tastes and crumbles just like the real thing!

Jennifer Aniston Salad
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Jennifer Aniston Salad

4 from 14 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

    The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

    Ingredients

    • For the bulgur wheat/quinoa:

    • 1 cup bulgur wheat or quinoa, dry

    • 2 cups water or vegetable broth

    • For the salad dressing:

    • 1/2 cup olive oil

    • 1/2 cup lemon juice

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • For the salad:

    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    • 1 cup English cucumber, chopped

    • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

    • 1/2 red onion, diced

    • 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, roughly chopped

    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

    Directions

    • Add either bulgur wheat or quinoa to a small saucepan, along with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes. Once bulgur wheat or quinoa has absorbed all liquid, remove from heat and let stand covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove lid and fluff with a fork.
    • While the bulgur wheat or quinoa cooks, make the salad dressing by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
    • Add cooked bulgur wheat or quinoa to a large bowl, along with the remaining salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss, then either serve immediately or let chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

    Recipe Video

    Notes

    • Leaving the salad to chill for a few hours before eating will increase the flavor!
    • Leftover salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. No need to store the dressing separately.

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