Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Layered Greek Dip is a beautiful and delicious blend of Mediterranean ingredients that offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. The richness of hummus, the freshness of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, and the tanginess of tzatziki come together in a colorful, visually appealing dish. It’s a fun, no-cook recipe that can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for busy days or when hosting guests. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pita chips or fresh veggies for dipping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Base Layer: In a shallow serving dish (such as a pie dish or small baking pan), spread the hummus evenly on the bottom. This will be the first layer.
- Add the Tzatziki: Spread the tzatziki sauce evenly on top of the hummus, creating the second layer. Make sure it covers the hummus completely.
- Add the Vegetables: Sprinkle the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, and red onions over the tzatziki layer.
- Top with Feta: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable layer for a burst of creamy, tangy flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle olive oil over the top and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. You can also add a little more feta or olives for extra flavor.
- Chill: For best flavor, chill the dip in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the dip with pita chips, fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or celery.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: For added protein, you can top the dip with grilled chicken, lamb, or chickpeas.
- Spicy Version: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a few diced jalapeños to bring some heat to the dip.
- Olive Tapenade: For more intense olive flavor, make or buy an olive tapenade and layer it on top of the tzatziki.
- Veggie Options: Add additional veggies like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach for more variety and flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative or omit it entirely for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Layered Greek Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: This dip is served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dip a few hours ahead of time. In fact, it’s best to chill it for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together before serving.
2. Can I use a different dip base instead of hummus?
Absolutely! You can substitute hummus with baba ganoush, creamy Greek yogurt, or even a spinach and artichoke dip for a different twist.
3. What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with pita chips, fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also serve it with crackers or toasted pita bread.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like roasted red peppers, diced bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and texture.
5. Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free pita chips or veggies for dipping.
6. Can I make this dip vegan?
Yes, to make this dip vegan, simply swap the tzatziki for a dairy-free version, and use vegan feta or omit the cheese entirely.
7. How can I adjust the flavors?
If you prefer a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of tzatziki or feta. For a sweeter profile, you could drizzle a small amount of honey or add roasted red peppers.
8. Can I use regular yogurt instead of tzatziki?
You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of tzatziki, but for the full Greek flavor, tzatziki is preferred. You can make your own by mixing Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
9. Can I make this dip spicy?
Yes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even drizzle some hot sauce over the top for an extra kick.
10. Can I freeze this dip?
This dip is best served fresh and should not be frozen, as the texture may change once thawed.
Conclusion
Layered Greek Dip is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, crunchy veggies, and savory feta, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or just as a snack, this dip is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish and impress your guests with its vibrant colors and bold flavors!
PrintLayered Greek Dip
Layered Greek Dip is a vibrant, flavorful Mediterranean appetizer combining hummus, tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese. It’s a colorful, easy-to-make dip that’s perfect for parties or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pita chips or fresh veggies for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Base Layer: In a shallow serving dish, spread the hummus evenly on the bottom.
- Add the Tzatziki: Spread the tzatziki sauce evenly on top of the hummus.
- Add the Vegetables: Sprinkle the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, and red onions over the tzatziki layer.
- Top with Feta: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle olive oil over the top and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Add extra feta or olives for extra flavor.
- Chill: For best flavor, chill the dip in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or as a topping for tacos.
Notes
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- This dip can also be topped with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
- For a vegan version, swap the feta cheese for a vegan alternative or omit it completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
