Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Greek Yogurt Whipped Feta Dip with Apple and Pecan Topping
Serving Amount
Ingredients
4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 honeycrisp apple, diced
1 shallot, diced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, stems removed
1⁄4 cup chopped pecans
salt to taste
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1⁄2 cup Greek 2% fat yogurt
zest from 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. honey
Instructions
Step 1
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add apples, shallots and thyme. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until lightly softened.
Step 2
Add pecans. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until apples are lightly caramelized. Season with salt to taste. Turn off heat and set mixture aside in a bowl to cool.
Step 3
Add feta crumbles, Greek yogurt, lemon zest to a food processor. Pulse until combined. Slowly stream remaining olive oil into mixture and blend until creamy and smooth.
Step 4
Spoon whipped feta onto a serving dish. Top with apple topping a drizzle of honey. Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers and pita.
