We all need simple appetizer food around this time of year, right? My small group from church is having a Christmas party next week and I’m planning on bringing this Six Layer Mediterranean Dip. Colorful, healthy, and tasty! I occasionally make hummus “pizza” for lunch- basically pita bread with a layer of hummus topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta. I used this same combination of ingredients to create this six layer dip and served it with whole wheat pita wedges on the side. I love that this can be assembled ahead of time and it’s a fairly portable appetizer to bring along to gatherings. Although it’s best eaten on the same day it’s assembled (the cucumbers and tomatoes release a fair amount of water), the leftovers still made great packable lunch food for Ryan and the kids. So glad to have a new way to enjoy some of my favorite Mediterranean flavors.
- ⅔ cup dried garbanzo beans (chick-peas), soaked at least 6 hours
- juice of ½ lemon, plus extra lemon juice to taste
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup diced English cucumber
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- 10 pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- whole wheat pita wedges for serving
- Drain the garbanzo beans and place in a saucepan with enough water to cover the garbanzo beans by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and drain, reserving the cooking liquid for later use.
- In a blender or food processor, add the garbanzo beans, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon cooking liquid. Blend or process on high speed until hummus is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with additional salt and lemon juice.
- Spread the hummus in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Next layer the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onion, and feta. Serve with pita wedges.
Aida says
This looks great! It’s like a healthy take on the regular 6-layer dip (which leaves me feelings too stuffed). Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
Thanks, Aida! It’s always fun to lighten things up, especially when the results are still delicious!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
i love the presentation! gorgeous colors!
Emily says
Thank you,Caralyn!
Jess says
I LOVE this! Sure beats using my fork to pile greek salad on top of hummus, on top of pita! (Also, waaaaay easier to serve to guests!) 🙂
Kelly says
I just told Andy that I pretty much want to make EVERYTHING you post! Miss sitting around your table and enjoying conversation and yummy food.
Emily says
Yes, miss you too! Wish you lived closer. We could all eat good food while our kids go crazy together. 🙂
Kate says
Your photos are so lovely, Emily! I love the idea of this layered hummus. I went to Israel last month and I still haven’t gotten my fill of hummus, I don’t think I ever will! Happy holidays.
Emily says
Thanks so much, Kate. Your pictures of Israel are so gorgeous! Must have been such an incredible experience. Wishing you much joy this holiday season as well!