Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite party starter and family gathering star: Greek Style Loaded Hummus! You see, hummus has always been a staple in our household, but when I discovered the magic of piling all those delightful toppings on top, it was like I found the secret doorway to flavor town!
I remember the first time I made it for a potluck; I was a bit hesitant to bring something as simple as hummus. But after one bite, everyone started flocking to the table like bees to honey! The fresh veggies, the tangy feta, and a drizzle of olive oil transform this humble dip into something so much more, and trust me, it works wonders as an appetizer or a party dish. Let’s dive into the delicious details, shall we?
What’s in Greek Style Loaded Hummus?
Hummus: The star of the show! I often use store-bought hummus for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can whip up a batch at home with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon.
Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds richness but also enhances the flavor of everything else on your plate. I love using Greek olive oil; it makes a noticeable difference!
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, these little gems add a refreshing crunch to the dip. I usually slice them in half to let their lovely juices mingle with everything.
Cucumber: Crisp and cool, cucumbers bring a fantastic freshness to this dish. I like to dice them for easy scooping.
Red Onion: Just a bit of thinly sliced red onion can add a wonderful sharpness to balance all the creamy goodness.
Feta Cheese: You can’t have Greek style without feta! Crumble it generously on top for that delectable tanginess.
Olives: I love using Kalamata olives; they bring a briny touch that pairs beautifully with the hummus. Slice them or leave them whole, whichever you prefer!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a lovely herbaceous note. Plus, it looks fancy!
Is Greek Style Loaded Hummus Good for You?
Absolutely! This delightful dip has plenty of health benefits that make it hard to resist.
Chickpeas (or hummus): Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas help keep you full and satisfied. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals!
Olive oil: Rich in healthy fats, olive oil can support heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it tastes fantastic!
Vegetables (like tomatoes and cucumbers): These add nutrition, hydration, and fiber to your dish. They’re low in calories but high in essential vitamins!
Now, while this dish is healthy, moderation is key—too much feta or olive oil can rattle those calorie counts, so I suggest using them judiciously.
Ingredients List
– Hummus (1-2 cups, store-bought or homemade)
– Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling)
– Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
– Cucumber (1 medium, diced)
– Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced)
– Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled)
– Kalamata olives (½ cup, pitted and sliced)
– Fresh parsley (a handful, chopped)
This recipe serves about 6-8 as an appetizer.
How to Make Greek Style Loaded Hummus?
1. **Prepare your base:** Spread the hummus evenly on a large serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a nice well in the middle to hold the toppings.
2. **Drizzle olive oil:** Pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the hummus, and swirl it gently to create a beautiful marbled effect.
3. **Add toppings:** Start by scattering the halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber over the top of the hummus. Then sprinkle the sliced red onion.
4. **Cheese it up:** Crumble feta cheese generously over your loaded hummus.
5. **Finish with olives:** Add the sliced Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to give it that finishing touch.
6. **Final drizzle:** For an extra touch, drizzle with more olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
7. **Serve with dippers:** Grab some crunchy pita chips, sliced veggies, or even warm pita bread for the ultimate scoop!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Greek Style Loaded Hummus
– **Flavor variations:** Feel free to mix things up! Try adding some roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of za’atar for a different flavor profile.
– **Presentation:** A lovely garnish of whole olives and a bit of extra parsley can make guests feel like they are digging into a Mediterranean feast!
– **Meal prep:** You can prepare the hummus and toppings a day in advance. Just layer the ingredients before serving to keep everything fresh!
So, whether you’re throwing a big bash or just want a delightful snack, give this Greek Style Loaded Hummus a try! I promise it will elevate your snacking game to a whole new level. And hey, don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear about your hummus adventures!
