Featuring a creamy hummus base, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and salty feta, it’s a fun Mediterranean version of the classic 7-layer dip. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or simply want a quick appetizer for your next gathering, this vibrant dip is always a hit.
Ingredient Notes
Flavor-Boosting Elements
These are the ingredients that really take this dip to the next level. The lemon zest, fresh mint, and dill add brightness and complexity, making each bite burst with fresh Mediterranean flavors. While the other ingredients form the base, it’s these key additions that truly enhance the dish and give it that wow factor.
Building Textures and Balancing Flavors
The remaining ingredients work together to create a satisfying mix of textures and complementary flavors. The creamy hummus forms the base, providing a smooth and rich backdrop. Fresh cucumbers and juicy tomatoes add a refreshing crunch and pop of sweetness. Briny Kalamata olives and salty crumbled feta introduce bold flavors that balance perfectly with the fresh vegetables. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together, giving the dip a luxurious finish.
Instructions
Start by spreading the hummus in an even layer across the bottom of your serving dish. This creates the creamy base for the dip. Use a small spatula to ensure the layer is smooth and even.
Next, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh dill evenly over the hummus layer. The dill adds a lovely herbal note that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Scatter the finely chopped cucumbers over the dill. Be sure to distribute them evenly so every bite gets that crisp cucumber crunch.
Add the chopped fresh mint on top of the cucumbers for an extra burst of freshness.
Now it’s time to add the tomatoes. Scatter the sliced cherry tomatoes evenly across the surface of the dip.
Sprinkle the chopped Kalamata olives on top of the tomatoes. Their briny flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the hummus.
Crumble the block feta cheese over the top, ensuring it’s spread evenly across the dip. The salty feta is essential for balancing the fresh vegetables.
Finish by drizzling the extra-virgin olive oil over the entire dip. This adds a rich, luxurious touch and enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Serve immediately with crunchy pita chips, fresh veggies, or pita bread. This dip is best enjoyed at room temperature, so allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- With crunchy pita chips for dipping
- As a spread with whole wheat pita bread or pita wedges
- Alongside fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices
- As part of a mezze platter with baba ghanouj, tzatziki sauce, and stuffed grape leaves
- As a light dinner option by building the dip right on toasted bread.
Tips, Tricks, and Alterations
- Use flavored hummus: For an extra punch of flavor, try using red pepper hummus or white bean hummus as the base layer.
- Make it ahead: This dip can be assembled a few hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Swap the herbs: Don’t have fresh dill or mint? Fresh parsley works just as well. You can even sprinkle a little dried oregano.
- Add some heat: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for a spicy kick.
- Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
- Layer it differently: Try adding a layer of creamy plain Greek yogurt between the hummus and vegetables for extra creaminess.
Garnish ideas: Sprinkle sesame seeds or pine nuts over the top of the dip for added crunch and flavor.
If you’ve tried this Mediterranean Layer Dip recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I’m up to.
Recipe
Mediterranean Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups 480 g hummus
- 2 tablespoons 6 g fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons 30 g lemon zest
- ½ cup 70 g English cucumbers, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon 3 g fresh mint, chopped
- 1 cup 160 g cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
- ½ cup 70 g pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 2 ounces 56 g block feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Spread the hummus in an even layer across the bottom of a medium serving dish. Sprinkle the chopped dill evenly over the hummus. Add the finely chopped cucumbers, followed by the fresh mint.
- Scatter the sliced cherry tomatoes across the surface, then sprinkle on the chopped Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the finished dip. Serve immediately with pita chips, fresh veggies, or pita bread.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!