Who doesn’t love a quick and easy appetizer? So if you’re searching for a party appetizer that will feed a crowd while also impressing them, this exceptional Mediterranean Layer Dip is a must-try. It’s made up of fresh, colorful ingredients and is ideal for summer!
What is Mediterranean Hummus?
A simple chickpea-centric dish cooked with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil (drizzled on top), and salt is known as Mediterranean hummus (sometimes cumin is added). In fact, in Arabic, the word “hummus” means “chickpeas.”
Can you freeze layer dip?
Line your pan with extra foil to hang over the sides before creating the seven-layer dip to avoid putting it in the freezer. Cover and freeze, then remove from the pan and crimp the two pieces of foil together to seal. Store for 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
What are the ingredients to make Mediterranean Layer Dip?
With 30 minutes of prep time, but to get the best results, make the tomato-cucumber mixture and Tzatziki sauce the night before to allow the flavors to mingle. If you’re making it ahead of time, cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Here are the ingredients suitable for 4-6 servings:
- 1 large seedless cucumber, peeled and cut in half – Cucumbers give the dip a nice freshness and texture. Persian cucumbers are smaller and sweeter, but English cucumbers can suffice if you don’t have any.
- 1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped – For a little sweetness.
- ½ small red onion, sliced thin – Perfect as a layer or light garnish on top of the dip.
- 1 T. extra virgin olive oil – Ideal for dips.
- 3 T. lemon juice, divided – Freshly squeezed.
- 1 t. garlic powder – To add taste.
- 1 T. fresh oregano (or 1 t. dried), divided
- Sea salt and black pepper – To add taste.
- 1 c. plain Greek yogurt (full fat) – For creamy and luscious flavor.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced – For the finest flavor, use fresh garlic. Pre-peeled garlic will not have the same powerful flavor as garlic from the bulb.
- 1 T. fresh dill (or 1 t. dried) – For garnishing.
- 1½ c. hummus – This Roasted Garlic Hummus is the base for the dip. You can also use store-bought hummus instead.
- ½ c. Kalamata olives, chopped – To add salty and bright flavor.
- ½ c. Feta, crumbled – For a creamy texture and slightly briny flavor.
- ¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped – For garnishing.
What are the steps in making Mediterranean Layer Dip?
Half of the cucumber should be diced and combined with the tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, garlic powder, and half of the oregano in a large mixing dish. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and whisk to blend. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
To make the Tzatziki sauce, use a box grater to shred the remaining cucumber and throw it in a large mixing bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, remaining oregano, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and whisk to blend. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Spread the hummus in a uniform layer on a small serving platter (or in an 8″ × 8″ casserole dish).
Next, spread an even layer of the Greek yogurt mixture (Tzatziki sauce from Step #2) on top of the hummus.
Use a slotted spoon to drain any extra liquid before spreading the seasoned tomato, red onion, and cucumber mixture on top of the Tzatziki sauce.
Lastly, toss in the Kalamata olives, crumbled Feta, and freshly chopped parsley. For dipping, serve immediately with sturdy vegetable crudités if you want it gluten-free, or if not, pita bread instead. Enjoy!
Exceptional Mediterranean Layer Dip
If you're searching for a party appetizer that will feed a crowd while also impressing them, this exceptional Mediterranean Layer Dip is a must-try.
Ingredients
- 1 large seedless cucumber, peeled and cut in half
- 1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped
- ½ small red onion, sliced thin
- 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 T. lemon juice, divided
- 1 t. garlic powder
- 1 T. fresh oregano (or 1 t. dried), divided
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 c. plain Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 T. fresh dill (or 1 t. dried)
- 1½ c. hummus, store-bought or homemade**
- ½ c. Kalamata olives, chopped
- ½ c. Feta, crumbled
- ¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve:
- Vegetable crudités to keep it gluten-free
- Pita bread if not strict with gluten
Instructions
- Dice one-half of the cucumber and add to a large bowl, along with the tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, garlic powder, and half of the oregano. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
- To prepare the Tzatziki sauce, shred the remaining cucumber with a box grater and place it in another large bowl. Add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, and the remaining oregano and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
- Spread the hummus into a uniform layer on a small serving platter (or in an 8” x 8” casserole dish).
- Top the hummus with an even layer of the Greek yogurt mixture (Tzatziki sauce from Step #2).
- Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid from the seasoned tomato, red onion, and cucumber mixture before spreading on top of the Tzatziki sauce.
- Add the Kalamata olives, followed by the crumbled Feta and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with vegetable crudités or pita bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, prepare the tomato-cucumber mixture and the Tzatziki sauce the night before to give the flavors a chance to combine. If preparing in advance, cover and store in the refrigerator until just before ready to use.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 549mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 13g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.