Description
A vibrant and fresh Greek-style loaded hummus topped with a colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and pepperoncini peppers, enhanced with garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs. Drizzled with olive oil and garnished with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of sumac or paprika, this appetizer is perfect for serving with pita chips and lemon wedges.
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 veggie topping: Toss the cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and minced garlic in a bowl with oregano and olive oil. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper, then add the fresh herbs and mix everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Spread the hummus: Spread the hummus onto a serving platter or board in an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to create small swoops or wells in the surface of the hummus, which will hold extra drizzles of olive oil for added richness.
- Add the topping: Spoon the prepared vegetable and olive mixture evenly over the hummus. Garnish the top with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of sumac or paprika for color and subtle spice, and toasted pine nuts if using, to add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve: Present the loaded hummus with pita chips and lemon slices or wedges on the side. The lemon wedges add a fresh citrus burst when squeezed onto the hummus, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade hummus depending on your preference or time availability.
- Kalamata olives and pepperoncini peppers are optional but add authentic Greek flavor and a bit of tangy heat.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; a pinch of salt and pepper complements the fresh ingredients.
- Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Fresh herbs can be customized, parsley, mint, and chives work beautifully together to add brightness and aroma.
