Spiced Feta Balls with Pistachio and Clementine Salad

Name: Spiced Feta Balls with Pistachio and Clementine Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1110 min
Total time: 1140 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 180 g feta, crumbled; 250 g Greek yogurt; 150 g rocket; 4 clementines peeled and sliced horizontally; 1 large banana shallot very thinly sliced into rings; 1/2 bunch mint; 70 ml extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp za’atar or mixed dried herbs; 1/2 tsp chilli flakes; 40 g pistachios chopped; 50 g pomegranate seeds

This vibrant feta salad balances creamy whipped feta, sweet clementines, peppery rocket, and crunchy pistachios in every bite. Finished with za'atar, chili, and a honey vinegar dressing, it's an elegant make-ahead starter or light lunch.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time30 Mins

Cook Time1110 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

feta, crumbled
180 g
Greek yogurt
250 g
rocket
150 g
clementines peeled and sliced horizontally
4
large banana shallot very thinly sliced into rings
1
mint
0.5 bunch
extra-virgin olive oil
70 ml
white wine vinegar
2 tbsp
honey
1 tbsp
za’atar or mixed dried herbs
2 tbsp
chilli flakes
0.5 tsp
pistachios chopped
40 g
pomegranate seeds
50 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium bowl, mash the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, and 1/2 tsp salt with a fork until mostly smooth. Transfer the mixture to a sieve lined or set over a bowl and let it drain for 3 hours in the refrigerator. Cover and chill overnight until firm enough to shape.

Scoop the chilled feta mixture and roll it into 12 walnut-sized balls. In a small bowl, mix the chili flakes and za'atar, then gently roll each feta ball in the spice mixture until coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. If making ahead, store the feta balls in a covered container with a thin layer of olive oil for up to 3 days.

Whisk together the olive oil, honey, white wine vinegar, and a small pinch of salt and black pepper until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

In a large bowl, toss the shallot, rocket, clementine slices, and mint with a little of the dressing. Arrange on a serving platter, top with the spiced feta balls, and spoon over the remaining dressing. Finish with the chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds before serving.

Chef's Tips

If you cannot find rocket, use arugula. Za'atar can be replaced with mixed dried herbs for a milder flavor, though the salad will lose some of its Middle Eastern character. Chill the feta mixture thoroughly before shaping or the balls will be too soft to handle.