Description
This Loaded Hummus Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a healthy snack. It combines creamy hummus with fresh vegetables, tangy pickled peppers, briny olives, and crumbled feta, all topped with herbs, spices, and optional crunchy pine nuts. Serve with pita chips or sliced pita bread and lemon wedges for a colorful and satisfying dip that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled pepperoncini peppers (or bell peppers, diced)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or plant-based feta for a vegan option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
- Capers
- Radishes
- Pickles
- Toasted chickpeas
- Chopped chives
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar
- A sprinkle of paprika, cumin, or sumac
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
To Serve
- Pita chips or sliced pita bread
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Spread 2 cups of your chosen hummus evenly onto a large serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a smooth, flat surface as the foundation of your dip.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Scatter the diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and finely chopped red onion over the hummus, distributing them evenly for bursts of fresh flavor with every bite.
- Layer the Briny Elements: Sprinkle sliced Kalamata olives and diced pickled pepperoncini peppers atop the hummus and veggies to introduce tangy and savory notes.
- Top with Cheese and Herbs: Crumble ½ cup of feta cheese over the dip, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or dill along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to add aromatic herbal accents.
- Drizzle Olive Oil and Adjust Flavors: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over all the ingredients, then squeeze fresh lemon juice or add a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors. Optionally, sprinkle paprika, cumin, or sumac for an added spice dimension.
- Add Optional Garnishes: Finish by adding your choice of optional toppings such as capers, radishes, pickles, toasted chickpeas, chopped chives, and toasted pine nuts for texture and extra flavor complexity.
- Serve: Present the loaded hummus dip with a generous side of pita chips or sliced pita bread along with lemon wedges for squeezing, inviting guests to enjoy the fresh, layered flavors.
Notes
- You can use store-bought hummus to save time or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the amount of pickled peppers based on your heat preference or substitute with milder bell peppers.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based feta cheese alternatives.
- To enhance crunch, consider dry roasting your pine nuts before topping.
- This dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add fresh herbs and garnishes just before serving.
- Try different spice blends like za’atar or smoked paprika for variations.
