Whipped Feta Roasted Zucchini Cups (Printable)
Creamy whipped feta and golden roasted zucchini served in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh Mediterranean appetizer or light lunch.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium zucchinis, diced into ½-inch pieces
02 - 8 large butter lettuce leaves or romaine hearts
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Whipped Feta
05 - 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
06 - 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
07 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Roasting & Garnishes
10 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1/4 tsp sea salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
15 - Zest of 1 lemon
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F for roasting the zucchini.
02 - Toss diced zucchini with 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and tender. Allow to cool slightly before assembling.
03 - While zucchini roasts, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
04 - Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spread a generous spoonful of whipped feta mixture into each leaf, creating an even base.
05 - Top each lettuce cup with roasted zucchini, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
06 - Sprinkle with fresh dill or mint, lemon zest, and additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately as an appetizer or light lunch.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between cold crisp lettuce warm roasted zucchini and creamy feta creates this amazing texture experience in every single bite
- Everything can be prepped ahead so you are just assembling when guests arrive which makes you look like you have it all together
02 -
- The whipped feta can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator which actually helps the flavors meld together
- Roast your zucchini at high heat and do not overcrowd the baking sheet or you will end up with steamed zucchini instead of beautifully caramelized pieces
03 -
- Room temperature feta blends much more smoothly than cold feta straight from the refrigerator
- Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest so it disperses evenly throughout the dish without any bitter bits