Chargrilled Courgettes with Whipped Feta, Lemon & Pistachio

Name: Chargrilled Courgettes with Whipped Feta, Lemon & Pistachio
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3-4 medium courgettes (sliced lengthways into 1 cm strips); 1-2 tbsp olive oil; Sea salt & black pepper; 150 g feta cheese; 60 g cream cheese or natural yoghurt for creaminess; Zest of 1 lemon; 1-2 tsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling); 2 tbsp pistachios (roughly chopped); 1 crusty bread (sliced and toasted); Fresh herbs (optional, e.g. mint or parsley)

A fresh, vibrant starter that’s creamy, nutty, and smoky. Chargrilled courgettes are paired with zesty whipped feta, sprinkled with crunchy pistachios, and served with crusty bread for scooping. Simple, elegant, and full of texture and flavour — perfect for sharing or a light, modern starter.

Chargrilling intensifies the natural sweetness of the courgettes and adds smoky depth.
Whipped feta is creamy, tangy, and light — the lemon zest keeps it fresh.
Pistachios add crunch and a subtle nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese.
Serve immediately, or leave the whipped feta slightly chilled for a contrast of temperatures.

Ingredients

For the Courgettes

3-4 medium courgettes sliced lengthways into 1 cm strips
1-2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt & black pepper

For the Whipped Feta

150 g feta cheese
60 g cream cheese or natural yoghurt for creaminess
Zest of 1 lemon
1-2 tsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling

To Finish

2 tbsp pistachios roughly chopped
1 crusty bread sliced and toasted
Fresh herbs optional, e.g. mint or parsley

Method

Chargrill the Courgettes

Preheat a grill pan or barbecue to high. Brush the courgette slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Chargrill for 2–3 minutes each side, until tender with visible grill marks. Set aside.

Make the Whipped Feta

In a small food processor or bowl, combine the feta, cream cheese, lemon zest, and olive oil. Whip until smooth and creamy. Adjust texture with a teaspoon of water or yoghurt if needed.

Assemble

Spread a spoonful of whipped feta on each plate or as a base on a serving platter. Arrange the chargrilled courgettes on top. Scatter with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with slices of crusty bread for scooping. Finish with fresh herbs if desired.

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Chargrilled Courgettes with Whipped Feta, Lemon & Pistachio

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

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