QUICK SUMMARY
Marinated vegan feta cheese is a simple dairy-free appetizer made by layering vegan feta with Herbes de Provence, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, dried chili pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors infuse, then serve with salads, gluten-free crackers, pizza, roasted vegetables, or a relish tray.
Some of my most beloved recipes aren’t complicated or time-consuming. This Marinated Vegan Feta Cheese is one of them.
It takes just a few minutes to put together, then the herbs and spices do their work while the jar rests in the refrigerator.
We serve it on salads, sprinkled on pizza, or in a small bowl beside a relish tray when family and friends come over. Every single time, someone asks for the recipe!
Table of Contents
Marinated Vegan Feta Cheese Recipe Card
This recipe requires little prep work but gives big results. Prepare it ahead of your gathering and let it marinate overnight as directed.
Marinated Feta (Vegan)
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons organic herbes de Provence
- 3 packages vegan feta cheese OR feta crumbles*
- 9-12 organic whole black peppercorns
- 2-3 organic garlic cloves
- 2-3 organic bay leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large organic dried chili pepper
Supplies
- Quart-sized glass jar
Instructions
- In a quart-sized jar, layer 1 tablespoon of herbes de Provence, the first package of dairy-free feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of herbes de Provence, 3 whole peppercorns, 1 garlic clove, and a bay leaf. Repeat two more times.
- Fill the jar halfway with olive oil and slide the chili into the side. Fill the jar the rest of the way, seal the lid, and let marinate in the fridge overnight. This recipe keeps for a long time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make a delicious jar of Marinated Vegan Feta Cheese for all of your hosting and celebratory needs.
Step One: Layer the Vegan Cheese and Herbs
In a quart-sized jar, layer 1 tablespoon of Herbes de Provence, the first package of dairy-free feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of Herbes de Provence, 3 whole peppercorns, 1 clove of garlic, and 1 bay leaf.
Repeat two more times.
Step Two: Let the Cheese Marinate
Fill the jar halfway with olive oil and slide the chili pepper into the side.
Fill the jar the rest of the way with olive oil, seal the lid, and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The quality of a few simple ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe.
Vegan Feta Cheese
Choose a firm dairy-free feta-style cheese that holds its shape when layered in a jar. Softer varieties may break apart, though they can still taste delicious.
Herbes de Provence
This classic herb blend brings earthy, savory Mediterranean flavor. Depending on the brand, it may include thyme, rosemary, savory, oregano, or lavender.
Garlic, Bay Leaves, Peppercorns, and Chili
Garlic adds savory depth; bay leaves contribute subtle herbal notes. Whole black peppercorns bring gentle warmth, while dried chili pepper adds a little heat. Remove whole bay leaves before eating. Garlic also contains sulfur compounds such as allicin and ajoene, which lab and animal studies link to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and heart-protective effects. (1)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
A good extra-virgin olive oil carries the herb flavors and gives the feta a rich, silky finish. A 2023 review points to extra-virgin olive oil as a key driver of the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits. (2)
Ways to Serve Marinated Vegan Feta
Once it’s ready, the possibilities are nearly endless. We love using it to make simple meals and gatherings feel special.
- Fresh salads: Spoon feta and a little infused oil over arugula, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, or chickpeas.
- Gluten-free pizza: Scatter over pizza just after baking with tomatoes, spinach, or roasted peppers.
- Grazing boards: Serve in a small bowl alongside gluten-free crackers, vegetables, olives, and hummus.
- Warm grains: Add to quinoa, rice bowls, millet, or gluten-free pasta.
- Relish trays: Pair with pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.
One of my biggest ministries is hosting guests in our home, and having a simple recipe ready makes that easier.
Storage and Serving
Prepare the recipe in a clean jar, refrigerate it as directed, and use clean utensils when serving. Return the jar to the refrigerator after serving rather than leaving it on the table for extended periods.
Because this preparation contains fresh garlic in oil, refrigeration is important. Never store it at room temperature, and make it in batches you will use up soon.
Marinated Vegan Feta Cheese FAQs
How long should vegan feta marinate?
Let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator, as the recipe directs, so the herbs and spices have time to infuse.
What kind of vegan feta works best?
A firmer dairy-free feta-style cheese works best for layering. Check the label if you’re accommodating specific food allergies; dairy-free doesn’t automatically mean free of other allergens.
Can I make it without chili pepper?
Yes. Leave out the dried chili pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
What should I serve with marinated vegan feta?
Try salads, gluten-free pizza, roasted vegetables, warm grains, appetizer boards, or a Mediterranean lunch plate with hummus and vegetables.
A Word About Hospitality
Hospitality was never meant to be heavy. You don’t need a dozen dishes or hours of prep to create a space that feels warm and welcoming. You just need a few good, reliable things that work.
My prayer is that this recipe blesses your home, lightens your load, and brings peace into your gatherings. May it remind you that a welcoming table is built on love, presence, and grace.
Keep reading: Vegan Parmesan Cheese Recipe: Easy Dairy-Free Topping · Healthy Homemade Hummus Recipe with 3 Easy Variations · 5 Proven Olive Oil Benefits for Heart, Gut & Inflammation
References
- El-Saadony MT, Saad AM, Korma SA, et al. Garlic Bioactive Substances and Their Therapeutic Applications for Improving Human Health: A Comprehensive Review. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024. Source.
- Flynn MM, Tierney A, Itsiopoulos C. Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Critical Ingredient Driving the Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet? A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023. Source.
