Hey there, hungry souls! I’m Dimitri Kalogeropoulos, and today I’m sharing my mouthwatering recipe for Mediterranean Guacamole: Feta, Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Bliss. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this zesty twist on a classic dip!
Dimitri Kalogeropoulos is a marine biologist who grew up in a small coastal village in Greece, surrounded by the Aegean Sea. He developed a passion for cooking from a young age, inspired by his mother’s traditional Mediterranean recipes. When he’s not in the lab studying marine life, you can find Dimitri exploring new flavors in the kitchen or sailing the turquoise waters of his homeland.
Dimitri Kalogeropoulos currently resides in Australia and grew up in Greece.
Hailing from the sunny shores of Greece, the Mediterranean flavors in this guacamole recipe hit close to home for me. Growing up in a coastal village, I inherited a love for fresh ingredients and bold tastes that this dish embodies.
This Mediterranean-inspired guacamole recipe is a fusion of my Greek roots and a nod to the rich culinary history of the region. The creamy avocado base paired with tangy feta, briny olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors reminiscent of seaside Mediterranean cafes. Whip up a batch of this guacamole and transport your taste buds to a sunny day by the Aegean Sea!
What you need
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with my Mediterranean Guacamole: Feta, Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Bliss! This zesty guacamole recipe takes the classic avocado dip to new heights by introducing the bold flavors of crumbled feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. I start by mashing ripe avocados to creamy perfection, then mix in the Mediterranean medley of ingredients like feta, olives, and tomatoes, seasoned with zesty lemon juice and fresh herbs. The final touch? A drizzle of olive oil, more feta crumbles, and a sprinkle of parsley on top before serving with your favorite dippers. Get ready to indulge in a flavor fiesta that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece!
Ingredients:
- Avocado – Creamy and rich avocado serves as the base of this guacamole, lending a velvety texture and buttery flavor. Can be swapped with ripe mashed bananas for a unique twist.
- Feta Cheese – Salty and tangy feta cheese adds a delightful Mediterranean flair to the guacamole, providing a burst of flavor and creamy texture. Can be substituted with goat cheese or cotija for a different taste profile.
- Kalamata Olives – Briny and robust, Kalamata olives infuse the guacamole with a salty kick and a hint of umami. Green olives can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Sweet and intense sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture. Substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes for a juicier alternative.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness to the guacamole, balancing the richness of the avocado and cheese. Lime juice can be used in place of lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Red Onion – Sharp and pungent red onion provides a savory bite and crunch to the guacamole, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Substitute with shallots for a milder onion taste.
- Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of herbaceous freshness and color to the guacamole, elevating its visual appeal and taste. Cilantro can be used as a substitute for a more traditional guacamole flavor.
- Salt – Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients in the guacamole and bringing out their delicious nuances. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy depth to the guacamole, harmonizing with the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper is recommended for optimal flavor.
Utensils:
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork – Can be replaced with a potato masher for a smoother guacamole texture.
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Citrus Juicer – Optional. A fork can be used to squeeze the lemon if a citrus juicer is not available.
- Measuring Spoons
Feta Cheese: Salty and Tangy Mediterranean Delight
Ah, feta cheese, the pride of Mediterranean cuisine! Crumbly, tangy, and slightly salty, feta adds a burst of flavor that dances on my palate with each bite of this guacamole. While some may shy away from its bold taste, I embrace its uniqueness and ability to transport me to the sun-soaked coasts of Greece. Moderation is key with feta, but its calcium-rich goodness and probiotic benefits make it a worthwhile indulgence in this recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and Intense Flavor Bombs
Sun-dried tomatoes, nature’s candy in savory form, bring a delightful twist to this guacamole party. Their chewy texture and concentrated tomato taste elevate the dish, making each spoonful a flavor explosion. Not everyone appreciates the intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, but in this recipe, they shine as a star ingredient, adding a punch of umami richness that complements the creamy avocado perfectly. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, these little gems are a guilt-free pleasure in this Mediterranean-inspired dip.
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Mediterranean Guacamole: Feta, Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Bliss with homemade pita chips. The crunchy texture of the chips complements the creamy guacamole perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. As a lover of all things Mediterranean, the combination of the guacamole with the warm and slightly charred pita chips reminds me of lazy afternoons spent by the sea, enjoying simple yet flavorful snacks with friends and family. Plus, the act of dipping the pita chips into the guacamole adds a fun interactive element to the dining experience, encouraging everyone to savor each moment and flavor.
Summary
And there you have it, my friends – Mediterranean Guacamole: Feta, Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Bliss is a true taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. I would love to hear how this recipe transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece or any creative twists you’ve added to make it your own. Leave a comment below sharing your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dish or any tips for enhancing the flavors of this guacamole. Let’s keep the culinary conversation going – Opa!
Here’s the recipe:
Mediterranean Guacamole: Feta, Olive, and Sun-Dried Tomato Bliss
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- fork
- Knife
- cutting board
- citrus juicer
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe Avocado
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata Olives
- 1/4 cup chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped Red Onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped Fresh Parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients - Gather all the ingredients - ripe avocados, crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, chopped red onion, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Have a mixing bowl, fork, knife, cutting board, citrus juicer, and measuring spoons ready. - Make sure the avocados are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture in the guacamole.
- Mash Avocados - Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocados until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Remaining Ingredients - Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley into the mashed avocados. Season with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper according to taste.
- Mix and Adjust Seasoning - Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Serve and Enjoy - Transfer the Mediterranean guacamole to a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, extra feta cheese crumbles, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
