Step 1: Prepare the Feta – Drain the feta cheese from its brine and pat it dry with a paper towel. Crumble the cheese into small pieces so it blends more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a smoother final texture.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients – Place the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon zest into a food processor or a high speed blender. Pour in one tablespoon of the olive oil at this stage to help the blades move through the cheese.
Step 3: Whip Until Smooth – Pulse the mixture several times then blend on high for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure every bit of cheese is incorporated. Continue blending until the mixture is airy, light, and completely smooth.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish – Spread the whipped feta onto a shallow serving bowl or a wooden board using the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and the honey over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme, and black pepper.
