Description
1 ½ cups hummus
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
½ cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pita chips or fresh veggies, for serving
Directions:
In a shallow dish, spread the hummus evenly as the base layer.
In a small bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the hummus layer.
Top with diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
Serve with pita chips or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 210 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare your base: Choose a wide, shallow serving dish or platter. Using a spoon or spatula, spread the 1 ½ cups of hummus evenly across the bottom to create a smooth, flat base layer.
2. Make the herbed feta: In a small mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Gently fold until the feta is lightly coated.
3. Assemble the second layer: Spoon the dressed feta cheese mixture over the hummus layer. Use the back of a spoon to spread it gently, leaving some of the hummus visible around the edges for a visually appealing effect.
4. Add the vegetable toppings: Evenly distribute 1 cup of diced cherry tomatoes and ½ cup of diced cucumber over the feta. Next, sprinkle ¼ cup of finely diced red onion and ¼ cup of sliced Kalamata olives across the top.
5. Final garnish: Finish by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the entire dip for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant dip is incredibly versatile. For the classic experience, serve it with a large bowl of sturdy pita chips or warm, toasted pita bread. For a lighter option, offer an array of fresh vegetable crudités like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and cucumber rounds. It also makes an excellent spread for wraps or sandwiches, or can be served as a flavorful side salad alongside grilled chicken or fish.
How-to Summary
Create this layered Mediterranean dip in under 10 minutes by spreading hummus in a dish, topping it with a simple lemon-olive oil dressed feta cheese, and finishing with a colorful layer of diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley. Serve with dippers of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, assemble it no more than 2-3 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the fresh parsley garnish just before serving.
What can I use instead of feta cheese? For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta with a vegan feta alternative or seasoned, crumbled firm tofu. For a different flavor, try crumbled goat cheese.
How can I make my hummus layer more flavorful? Use a high-quality store-bought hummus or enhance plain hummus by mixing in extra lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or a teaspoon of za’atar or smoked paprika before spreading.
Is there a way to reduce the sharpness of the red onion? Yes. Soak the diced red onion in a small bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for 10 minutes before draining and using. This mellows the flavor significantly.
How should I store leftovers? Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 1-2 days. Note that the vegetables may release a little water over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using a deep bowl, as it makes dipping difficult. Ensure your feta is properly crumbled; large chunks can make the dip hard to scoop. Do not skip dressing the feta with oil and lemon, as this prevents it from being too dry. Finally, do not assemble the dip too far in advance, as the salt will draw moisture from the vegetables, making the bottom layer watery.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Layered Hummus Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a centerpiece that brings vibrant color and fresh, tangy flavors to any table. With its simple no-cook assembly and customizable layers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s the ideal recipe for effortless entertaining or a flavorful snack.
