Description
A vibrant and flavorful Greek-style loaded hummus recipe featuring a creamy hummus base topped with a medley of fresh Mediterranean vegetables, olives, herbs, and a drizzle of rich olive oil. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, this dish combines bright, tangy, and savory flavors with delightful textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Base
- 2 cups hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped (optional)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half or quartered
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers (approx 4 mini cucumbers)
- 1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced (approx ¼ cup)
- 2-3 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, chives)
- Sumac or paprika for sprinkling
- Toasted pine nuts for serving (optional)
- Lemon slices/wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetable mixture: Toss the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and minced garlic together with the oregano and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the finely chopped fresh herbs and mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Spread the hummus: On a large serving platter or board, spread the hummus evenly to form a smooth layer. Use the back of a spoon to create small swoops or indentations in the hummus to hold extra olive oil and toppings.
- Add the toppings: Spoon the prepared vegetable and olive mixture evenly over the hummus layer. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts if using, and a light dusting of sumac or paprika to add color and a touch of zest.
- Serve: Present the loaded hummus with pita chips and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, offering a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy hummus.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use homemade hummus blended with tahini and lemon juice.
- The pepperoncini peppers add mild heat and tang, but can be adjusted or omitted based on taste.
- Sumac adds a lemony flavor but can be substituted with smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Keep pine nuts toasted lightly to enhance their nutty flavor without bitterness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but adding toppings fresh before serving is recommended for best texture.
