Description
This Greek Style Loaded Hummus recipe is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring creamy hummus topped with a fresh and colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers. Enhanced with garlic, oregano, fresh herbs, and drizzled with olive oil, this dish is garnished with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of sumac or paprika. Perfect for serving with pita chips and lemon wedges, it’s an easy, no-cook Mediterranean-inspired dip that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
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
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 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 Veggie Mixture: Toss the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and minced garlic with the oregano and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, then add the finely chopped fresh herbs and mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Spread the Hummus: Evenly spread the hummus onto a large serving platter or board. Use the back of a spoon to create small swoops or indentations in the hummus to hold pools of olive oil, enhancing richness and presentation.
- Add the Toppings: Spoon the prepared vegetable and olive mixture evenly over the layer of hummus. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, a sprinkling of sumac or paprika, and toasted pine nuts if using, to add texture and vibrant color.
- Serve: Offer the loaded hummus with pita chips or fresh pita bread alongside lemon slices or wedges for an extra burst of brightness. This dish is ready to enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings according to your preference or seasonal availability of vegetables.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle additional olive oil over the top just before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more pepperoncini or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pine nuts can be toasted in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden to enhance their flavor.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
