Get ready to elevate your snack game with these Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta – a divine dance of crispy and creamy textures paired with sweet and savory flavors! Whip them up in minutes, and you’ve got the ultimate appetizer or snack that steals the spotlight at family gatherings, holidays, game days, and basically any occasion worth celebrating.
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Are Chickpeas Healthy?
Yes! Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are extremely nutritious. Not only are they a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, but chickpeas are also rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, folate, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors
No need for a gourmet scavenger hunt – this marinated chickpeas recipe with whipped feta keeps it real with a handful of ingredients, most of which are probably hanging out in your pantry. Easy, breezy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Marinated Chickpeas
- Chickpeas – Use canned chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before you begin!
- Olive Oil – This forms the base of the marinade, adding rich flavor and healthy fats.
- Herbs and Spices – Dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh cilantro add a vibrant flavor that’s savory with hints of heat and a bright, peppery kick.
Whipped Feta
- Feta Cheese – Use a block of feta cheese, not feta crumbles. Full-fat varieties will deliver the best taste and texture.
- Cream Cheese – Similar to the feta, full-fat, block forms are best.
- Greek Yogurt – This is key to creating a fluffy, creamy consistency! Regular yogurt won’t deliver the same results.
- Water – Use as little or as much as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garlic – Whole, fresh cloves add a savory, sweet, pungent taste.
- Lemon Zest – The bright flavor helps balance some of the tanginess of the cheese.
- Honey – Adjust to taste. If preferred, maple syrup can be used instead.
Master the Art of Making Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta
With minimal prep time and zero cooking required, this is about to claim the title of your go-to snack and appetizer. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for those moments when you need something tasty ASAP.
Marinated Chickpeas
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil and seasonings.
- Pour the mixture over the chickpeas, and toss to coat them evenly.
- Set the bowl aside, and allow the chickpeas to marinate.
Whipped Feta
- Place all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the flavor as needed, adding more honey or lemon zest to suit your preferences.
TIP: If the mixture is too thick, add an extra splash of water, and blend again, repeating until your desired consistency is achieved!
Assembly and Serving
- Spread a generous layer of the whipped feta over a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Spoon the marinated chickpeas on top.
- Then, add a garnish of fresh cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra seasonings as desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This recipe works best when served as a dip with pita bread, crackers, naan bread, or fresh veggies like carrots, celery sticks, or peppers. However, you could also add it to salads, or use it as a spread in sandwiches and wraps!
Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?
If want to make this recipe ahead of time, it’s best to store the marinated chickpeas and whipped feta in separate airtight containers. They’ll both keep for up to five days in the fridge.
More Feta Dip Recipes
- Whipped Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Whipped Feta Recipe with Roasted Olives
- Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas
- Whipped Feta with Cranberries and Walnuts
Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta
Ingredients
For the Marinated Chickpeas:
- 2 cans 15 ounces each chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Whipped Feta:
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Marinated Chickpeas:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas.2 cans
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas, and toss to coat them evenly. Let the chickpeas marinate while you prepare the whipped feta. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Whipped Feta:
- In a food processor, add the block of feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, and honey.1 block, 1/2 block, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 garlic clove, Zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 Tablespoon honey
- Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.1/4 cup water
- Taste the whipped feta and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more honey or lemon zest if desired.
Assembly and Serving:
- Take a serving platter or individual plates, and spread a generous layer of the whipped feta on the bottom.
- Spoon the marinated chickpeas on top of the whipped feta.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve the marinated chickpeas with whipped feta as a delicious appetizer or side dish. It can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi, I love making this dip you mentioned lemon juice I don’t see lemon juice added to the recipe and I supposed to add lemon juice as well as lemon zest?
It should be zest! Thank you for catching that!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I made it today for the first time. I followed the recipe but the feta/yogurt/cream cheese paste became super watery.
Any recommendation on how to make it thicker?
Sorry to hear this, Kasia! Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the yogurt and feta before you begin. You can mix in more feta or cream cheese to thicken the consistency. Hope this helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I have so much left over- any recommendations on what to use it for as leftovers for a meal?
It was deliciou!
We’re glad you enjoyed it! You could add it to grain bowls or protein for extra flavor. Or, serve it as a side dish. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I cut the recipe in half. It is very good with lots of spice and flavor. I just think the ratio of chic peas is too much. Other than that it was tasty and is a healthy dip.
You can definitely adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences! We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Question…. Re : cream cheese. Is it 1/2 block of 4 ounce portion cream cheese (meaning only 2 ounces total)? Or is the 4 ounces “the 1/2 block” of a full 8 ounce block? I was confused.
Thx
Hi Kristina,
Sorry for the confusion! You need 8 ounces in total. We hope you enjoy the recipe!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I just want to confirm, 4oz or 8oz of cream cheese?
4 oz cream cheese and 8 ounces feta cheese!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Excellent. I’m making it for the second time. Guest loved it.
I added a shake of Sumac and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Thank you
Love all your recipes 💗
Thank you, Gail! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I have made this recipe 3 times over the last 2 weeks. It is now my new go to recioe to take to parties and potlucks. Everyone tjat has tried t loves it and has asked for the recipe!
Wow! Thank you so much, Dawn! We’re happy to hear it’s been such a hit. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I think most of your recipes are divine!
I hosted Christmas Eve with six adults and all agreed they were not fans of this recipe. The presentation was lovely; however.
We’re sorry you didn’t love it, Karen. We appreciate you trying it out and hope you give more of our recipes a try!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
can you make a day ahead
If want to make this recipe ahead of time, it’s best to store the marinated chickpeas and whipped feta in separate airtight containers. They’ll both keep for up to five days in the fridge. Hope this helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
delicious! I might add some pomegranate seeds or play with some spice like harrissa next time . Definitely roasting cauliflower tomorrow night to use to dip, did pita chips tonight.
Yum! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Christy. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
So good!!! Vegetarian daughter and I (celiac) enjoyed it immensely. It can be hard to find dishes that fit all of our dietary restrictions, are made with easy to find ingredients, *and* taste great. This will definitely become part of our regular rotation. Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you so much, Cari! We’re glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I am definitely making this for our holiday potluck. Any idea where which country this recipe originates from? Would love to know the original name of it.
We hope you enjoy! Unfortunately, we came up with this recipe after a little experimentation and don’t know the exact origins of an original dish.
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Is the nutritional information right if the x1 recipe is decided by 12? Seems so high in calories as I’d definitely want more than like 1/4 than 1/12th so would be my daily calories in one meal. Is that right?
Hi! It looks like some of the nutrition was off – we updated the recipe card. Thank you for catching that!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Looks delish! Will make it soon. Thx for sharing
We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Very nice and easy recipe.
I had to adapt the chickpea spice and it still came out great!
Thank you, Janet! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa