Here I go with the tomatoes again! Sorry, but I can’t help it – it’s Spring and I’m adding them to everything I make. Just wait until they start growing in my garden – then it’s going to be out of control!
I’ve been craving Mediterranean flavours lately and at first I thought I was going to make it with scallops but I couldn’t quite wrap my head around a recipe. I was browsing through the dishes at Good Food in the UK and came across this one that piqued my interest. I liked most of the ingredients but the cooking method seemed unnecessarily long and I couldn’t quite understand why the heck they included sweet potato and zucchini! In the end, my dish turned out very differently but their recipe certainly got me started in the right direction.
This recipe could not be any easier! Just chop and mix the ingredients together and drizzle with a mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic and honey and into the oven it goes. I cut the feta cheese into fairly large pieces and it will hold it’s shape under the heat but will be nice and creamy inside. Cutting it into larger pieces allows you to reheat it later if you have some leftover.
I liked the idea of baking them in small ramekins because it’s nice to serve individual portions and then you avoid those dreaded double-dippers! You can use pita chips, naan, tortilla chips or your favourite cracker. I used mini-pitas and it’s fun to stuff it inside and pop it into your mouth – less messy, too!
I used fresh dill and tarragon in this dish but if you don’t like their strong flavours, parsley would be a perfect partner as well.
This recipe is for my blogger friends, Anita and Nina. I know they both love their Mediterranean flavours and hopefully they will want to try this recipe. I was thrilled with the result and I think it will make an excellent appetizer for summer parties. You can prepare it ahead of time and toss it in the oven when your guests arrive.
Cheers, everyone!
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tablespoons Kalamata olives, chopped (I left a couple olives whole)
- 1 garlic clove, sliced (I used 2 cloves but I’m a garlic nut)
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced, or 2 small red pearl onions
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1/2 pound feta cheese (not crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons each of dill and tarragon, chopped or 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped. (plus a small handful for topping)
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
- pita chips, naan, crackers, crostini bread
- DRESSING
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, red onion, capers, garlic, dill and tarragon.
- Mix dressing ingredients well and pour half over tomato mixture, turning over gently. Add more if desired. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place block of feta cheese in oven-proof dish. (cut in smaller portions for individual ramekins) Pour tomato mixture over cheese and bake at 400 F for 15 minutes. Top with fresh herbs and serve immediately with lemon wedges. (optional)
41 Comments
Anita Rivera
May 29, 2014 at 5:32 amGood morning Robyn! No need to apologize about too much tomatoes; I crave them! This is the time especially to celebrate its flavor and the marriage of tomato with the mediterranean flavors! I just bought basil to plant in pots, and soon I too will be making my summer dishes. These look good and you always serve up the freshest ideas my friend. I hope you are well! Have a great Thursday! Anita
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:13 amLOL, Glad you like this dish, Anita. I’m a huge lover of basil too and can’t wait to incorporate it in my dishes. Hope you’re feeling fabulous, friend. Hugs!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Amy | Club Narwhal
May 29, 2014 at 7:45 amOh my goodness, this looks like exactly what I want to eat right now! Love those gorgeous tomatoes and that touch of honey. Definitely making this for a dinner party this weekend 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal recently posted…VEGAN PINA COLADA ICE CREAM SWIRLED WITH MANGO
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:15 amOh, please let me know what you think, Amy! I was so delighted with the flavour outcome and I especially loved it with tarragon. The honey makes it special, for sure. Hope you’re having a great week and thanks so much for popping in!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Stephanie
May 29, 2014 at 9:05 amThe only time I wanted tomatoes was during my first three months of pregnancy – I craved them like crazy! I have never liked tomatoes before that or even after for that matter. But your tomatoes look amazing! I would seriously try this because it’s literally making my mouth water.
You know you are a good chef when you can make me want something I normally don’t like! haha 🙂 Hugs to you, my friend!
Stephanie recently posted…5 Things I Love About Dad For Father’s Day
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:16 amLOL, I can’t imagine life without tomatoes, Stephanie. I have them every day. I’ll have to make a recipe for you – what are you favourite foods?
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Nina
May 29, 2014 at 10:42 amSuch a delicious suggestion!
Have a great day, querida!
Beijinhos
Nina recently posted…1118 – Serviço de jantar
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:17 amThanks, Nina. You’ve been busy this week and posting like a crazy person! lol I don’t know how to keep up with you. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Linda
May 29, 2014 at 4:15 pmNever tire of tomatoes, especially fresh from the garden. I do love tomatoes, so I will not tire of them. Lovwe that you can make this ahead of time. Guests will love the dreamy taste. Have a fun weekend Robyn. Lots of love from WW.
Linda recently posted…Patio Dining on Memorial Day
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:19 amThat’s one more thing we have in common, WW :). I think next I will post a beet recipe just to change things up a bit – even though they are one of the few veggies I don’t even like, lol.
Have a wonderful weekend visit, Linda. Love and hugs. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
cheri
May 30, 2014 at 11:09 amWhat a wonderful dish, I love Mediterranean food, it’s so healthy for you. I’m a tomato fiend myself, if I could get my hands on some tasty ones I would be doing the same thing. Great post!
cheri recently posted…A Double Rainbow and Gyoza Dumplings Two Ways
Robyn
May 30, 2014 at 11:20 amAren`t they just the best, Cheri! Thanks so much – so glad you liked the recipe! Hope you`re getting all cozy and comfy after the move.
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy
May 30, 2014 at 3:36 pmHi Robyn – Oh, this looks so good. My herbs are in and tomatoes are coming along nicely. I look forward to trying this. Thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real Party. We are tweeting and pinning this great recipe.
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy recently posted…Welcome to the Let’s Get Real Party #41
Robyn
June 1, 2014 at 8:50 amThanks so much for the tweet and pin, Gaye! Love the real food party!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Mindy
May 31, 2014 at 12:59 pmTomatoes AND olives – two of my favorites! Shared to Google + because this is too good to keep under wraps. Happy weekend : )
Mindy recently posted…What I learned in May
Robyn
June 1, 2014 at 8:51 amI loved this dish with the tarragon, Mindy – it really seems to bring the olives to life. Thanks so much for the share, my friend! Hope your weekend is fabulous.
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Bam's Kitchen
June 1, 2014 at 12:34 amWhat a fun, delicious, simple and perfect for a gathering recipe Robyn. Your photos are always beautiful but today they are just gorgeous! Did you get that new lens? I just love tomatoes too and can’t wait until I can get my hands on some deliciously sweet heirloom tomatoes. However, we do get these super sweet little tomatoes from Malaysia that I just love and I could use those in this recipe. I was going to throw some chicken on the grill tonight and that would be perfect with your Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs just delicately spooned over the top. I have everything I need in my pantry and refrigerator so it could not have been better timing. Pinning this one and sharing this one so I can keep this recipe close and on hand. Wishing you a super weekend. Take Care, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Chocolate French Eclairs with Cinnamon Cream
Robyn
June 1, 2014 at 8:55 amThank goodness tomatoes are so good for you, Bobbi, because I`m completely addicted. Oh, I would love to get my hands on those sweet ones from Malaysia! Great idea to put it on the chicken – that could be a whole new recipe!
Thanks so much for the pin and share. I really appreciate your kind comments about the photos, too. I didn`t get the new lens yet but I can`t wait!
Always appreciate your visit. Have a great weekend.
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Blackberry Lane
June 1, 2014 at 8:05 amGood Sunday Morn,
We both will love this recipe. The ingredients are some of our favs and it sounds easy enough for me!
Have a great day.
Blackberry Lane recently posted…Sunday
Robyn
June 1, 2014 at 8:55 amIt`s definitely super easy and the combination of flavours were a big hit. Thanks so much for your visit!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Marla
June 1, 2014 at 2:42 pmAnother great recipe Robyn! Looks so delicious and healthy. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays Blog hop. Will pin!
Marla recently posted…Bee Friendly Flower Giveaway From Mary’s Heirloom Seeds
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:07 amThanks so much, Marla! Real Food is where we all need to be 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Miz Helen
June 1, 2014 at 3:21 pmHi Robyn,
Thanks so much for sharing this awesome Baked Feta Tomatoes, Olives with Fresh Herbs with Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great weekend and come back soon.
Miz Helen
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:08 amMy pleasure, Miz Helen and thank for your visit and great advice this week!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Trish
June 1, 2014 at 6:09 pmSOUNDS SO GOOD. Must try it this week!!
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:09 amThanks, Trish! I loved it and will be making it often. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Mary
June 1, 2014 at 8:07 pmWow, all of your recipes are so awesome! I would feature you every week, but I would look like a stalker, Ha! Thank you for joining Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage last week and sharing your healthy potato salad. I’m going to have to try some enoki mushrooms. I featured it this week. Have a blessed day, Mary
Mary recently posted…Welcome To The 178th Masterpiece Monday!
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:14 amLOL, you flatter me with so many features, Mary, and I am so thankful! It’s always a pleasure to visit your blog and marvel at your new projects. So glad you liked the salad! Have a great week.
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Sandra Butler
June 1, 2014 at 10:47 pmThese look delicious! I’d bet it would also be soooo good with halloumi cheese as well! Yum!
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:16 amI wanted to use halloumi cheese, Sandra, but I couldn’t find any! I agree, I think it would work really well. Thanks so much for visiting. I hope your week is off to a good start 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Adelina Priddis
June 1, 2014 at 10:51 pmI think I’m craving some mediterranean flavors now too. I’m just starting to use Feta more, so thanks for the tip on leaving it a bit large. And thank you for sharing on Foodie Friday
Adelina Priddis recently posted…Foodie Friday Featuring Memories By the Mile
Robyn
June 2, 2014 at 9:19 amI’m still craving them, Adelina, so I’m going to have to come up with another recipe, lol. I`m a feta nut and put it on everything I can think of. Thanks so much for your visit!
Robyn recently posted…Baked Feta with Tomatoes, Olives and Fresh Herbs
Ginnie
June 3, 2014 at 11:05 amThis looks SO good to me! I love everything in it, and my husband doesn’t like capers or kalamata olives, so more for me;)
Ginnie recently posted…Father’s Day Gift Guide
Robyn
June 3, 2014 at 9:15 pmThanks so much, Ginnie. You’re going to have to make a separate treat for hubby, lol.
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Stephanie
June 3, 2014 at 7:02 pmThis looks delicious! I would love for you share it on my Tasty Tuesday recipe link up here! Everything gets pinned and I would love to have you!
Stephanie recently posted…Tasty Tuesday-Best Potato Salad Ever & Link Party
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini
June 3, 2014 at 8:26 pmHi Robyn!
This sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for summer! My tomatoes are just now starting to bloom, but I can’t wait to make this when they are ripe. I agree, baking them in the little ramekins was a great idea. They look so cute and tasty! Hope you are doing well. Have a great week!
Robyn
June 3, 2014 at 9:17 pmThanks so much, Christin! I can hardly wait for my tomatoes, too! Things are great on my end. Hope you’re having a great week 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Tuesday’s Tidbits
Kathy
June 4, 2014 at 12:41 pmThis looks quite delicious!
Kathy recently posted…The June Garden
Kathy
June 4, 2014 at 12:42 pmForgot the rest 🙂 – I’m hungry! I do appreicate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Kathy recently posted…The June Garden
Robyn
June 5, 2014 at 6:14 amLOL, thanks, Kathy – see you there!
Robyn recently posted…Roasted Beets on Ciabatta with Goat Cheese and Arugula
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow
December 4, 2014 at 12:42 pmWhat a fun, healthy dish! I always get like a ZILLION tomatoes from my garden each year, so you can bet I’ll be giving this recipe a try. Love the addition of feta (I am a little obsessed with feta!).
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow recently posted…How to Make Whole Wheat Pie Crust