Ingredients
Core Components
Two Flavors of Bean Dip: Choose your favorite Mediterranean-inspired dips. Here are some options:
- White bean with spinach and roasted garlic
- Traditional hummus or a flavored hummus (red pepper, lemon, etc.)
- Black bean dip
Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread triangles are perfect for dipping.
Crudités: A colorful mix of fresh vegetables for dipping. Suggestions below!
Optional Extras (pick and choose your favorites)
- Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese, cubed cheddar, mozzarella balls
- Olives: Kalamata, green olives, or an olive medley
- Cured Meats: Thinly sliced salami, prosciutto
- Fruit: Grapes, figs, sliced apples or pears
- Nuts: Marcona almonds, pistachios
- Garnishes: Dried herbs like oregano or thyme, fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil
Equipment and Utensils
- Large serving platter or board
- Small bowls or ramekins for dips
- Food processor (if making dip from scratch)
Instructions: Making Your Bean Dip
Store-Bought
- This is the easiest option! You can find great Mediterranean-inspired bean dips and hummus at the store. Simply transfer to small bowls or ramekins for the board.
Homemade
- Base: Use canned chickpeas (for hummus) or cannellini beans (for other dips). Drain and rinse.
- Process: Add beans to a food processor with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and any additional flavorings (roasted red pepper, spinach, etc.). Blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Instructions: Assemble Your Party Board
The Base: Place your bean dips in bowls or ramekins in the center of your board.
Add Pita: Warm your pita and cut it into triangles. Arrange those around the dip.
Pile on Freshness: Create a vibrant array of sliced vegetables around the board. Here are some colorful suggestions:
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
- Carrot sticks
Add Your Extras:
- Tuck in olives, cured meats, cheeses, fruit, and nuts wherever there’s space.
- Create little clusters of complementary items.
Garnish: Sprinkle herbs over the dips, drizzle olive oil, and give the entire board a final visual check!
Tips
Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you love a certain ingredient, add it.
Prep Ahead: Wash and slice vegetables the day before to save time.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave some space for comfortable dipping.
