Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Dips:
Hummus:
- 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, OR 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Large serving platter
- Small bowls for individual dips
Instructions
Make the Hummus:
- Combine ingredients: Add chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin to a food processor or blender.
- Process: Blend until very smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water.
- Taste and adjust: Add additional salt, lemon, or spices as needed.
Make the Tzatziki:
- Grate and drain cucumber: Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess liquid using cheesecloth or paper towels.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill (or other herbs), salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Assemble the Platter:
- Base layer: Spread hummus in an even layer on a large serving platter.
- Add tzatziki: Spread tzatziki in a layer on top of the hummus.
- Arrange toppings: Sprinkle with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Final Touches: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
Serving
Serve with a selection of dippers such as:
- Warm pita bread, cut into wedges
- Pita chips
- Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices
Tips & Variations:
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dips a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the platter right before serving.
- Add-ins: Customize with other Mediterranean flavors like roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of za’atar spice.
- Whipped Feta: For an extra special treat, include a bowl of whipped feta dip. It’s incredibly easy to make by whipping feta with a bit of Greek yogurt and lemon.
Enjoy this burst of authentic Greek flavors!
