creamy feta walnut dip

Aperitivo is one of those Italian institutions that I’m completely on board with - that and the afternoon nap.
It’s supposed to prepare your stomach for dinner, like the French aperitif. The drinks are bitter, the snacks are salty, and the ambience is so fabulous. Picture the sun setting at 7:30 p.m. on a cute little bar nestled between some palm trees in the historical center of town. A waiter with an orange tie serves you little bowls of chips, peanuts, briny olives and crackers. You drink your Aperol spritzer or Campari and prosecco and dream about how great dinner is going to be. Then, once you’re super hungry, you pay the cost of your drink and waltz home, kind of tipsy and loving life.

The only problem with aperitivo is the salty, bad for you snacks. So I’m constantly thinking up healthy alternatives for when our friends come over for aperitivo on our balcony. Now that the weather is nice, I want to serve this easy Creamy Feta Walnut Dip with glasses of Rose’ and fresh veggies. Friday at my place around 7? Be there. 

[Aperitivo with Monica: those are the briny olives and cracker-like taralli]

Creamy Feta Walnut Dip 

based on this recipe

1 container Greek yogurt

1/2 cup crumbled Feta

3 tbs chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

chopped fresh parsley

crushed red pepper or chili flakes to taste

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for an hour before serving with fresh veggies and pita bread. 

This is such a protein-rich, sumptuous dip! The walnuts add depth and richness and the tangy, sharp feta is the perfect complement. I made two batches and devoured the first bowl before skipping off to Zumba last night. (Much better than the four scoops of peanut butter that I had last week!)