Some recipes are written down. Others are passed through memory, flavor, and repetition—the kind of thing your mom made so many times, you didn’t even realize it was special until you grew up.

This is one of those.

A humble bowl of chopped tomatoes, crumbled feta, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano. My mom used to make it for me all the time as a kid. And her mom made it for her. It was the side that quietly stole the show. Always served with warm pita, always devoured before the main course even made it to the table.

It's mezze at its finest: quick, fresh, and meant to be shared.

🛒 Ingredients

3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (the tangier, the better)
2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (use the good stuff)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh, if you have it)
Salt, to taste
Warm pita bread, cut into triangles, for serving

🥄 Instructions

Chop & Combine
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped tomatoes with crumbled feta.
Add Olive Oil & Seasoning
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle in the oregano, and season with a bit of salt (go light—feta brings plenty of saltiness).
Gently Mash
Use the back of a fork to gently mash everything together. You're looking for a rustic dip—not too smooth, not too chunky.
Serve & Scoop
Transfer to a bowl and serve with warm pita triangles. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, so consider doubling it.

🌿 Why I Love It

Besides the nostalgia factor, this mezze is a perfect example of seasonal, whole-ingredient eating. The tomatoes are juicy and sweet, the feta is salty and creamy, and the olive oil makes it all feel luxurious with minimal effort.

It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need dressing up. Just a good conversation and someone to tear the pita with.

🍽️ Pair It With

Shish Kabob or Shish Taouk — grilled meats meet their perfect tangy, creamy match
A mezze spread — think hummus, olives, labneh, and za’atar mana’eesh
A grain bowl or roasted veggies — for an effortless lunch

✨ The Takeaway

This tomato and feta mezze is more than a dip. It’s comfort. It’s family. It’s a little edible thread connecting generations of Egyptian women in my family who knew that the best way to show love was by making something simple, seasonal, and deeply satisfying.

Want to see this mezze on the table in action? It was part of my May dinner party celebrating Shami Immigration Day — when we honor my family’s journey to the U.S. the best way we know how: by feeding the people we love.
👉 Read the full recap here.