mediterranean layer dip

A few weeks ago I held my first give-away, and in that readers had the opportunity to answer my question, "What would you like to see more of on the blog?"  One requested a couple of appetizer ideas.  That inspired me to be thinking along those lines as I planned out menus and shopping trips.  I've already posted a few (one of my absolute favorites being Popie's Jalapeño Poppers), but I'm making it a priority to share more. 

When I think of starters, I think of larger groups.  And when I think of larger groups, I think of larger groups that gather at our place.  And when I think of that, I think, casual and ease.  I definitely think short on prep and long on flavor, and a chip of some sort in a dip of another comes to mind immediately.

Hence my newest love, Mediterranean Layer Dip.  

Talk about a perfect way to share the abundance of tomatoes and cukes you (or a super-fabulous neighbor) probably have in the garden!  Oh, and it's pretty.  It's fresh.  It's healthy.  It's EASY!  

Have I convinced you yet?

If you and yours are hummus fans, this one rocks (in my book).  Collect all the ingredients. Layer them.  Boom.  You're automatically a master host/hostess.

Or you could sit alone with your bag of Stacy's Pita Chips and call it a meal of one (not that I've done that or anything).

You get the picture, right?  Make the dip.

One year ago: wild blackberry sour cream coffee cake, simple guacamole

Mediterranean Layer Dip
makes 10-12 servings

• 2 8-ounce containers original or garlic hummus
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 3 tbsp. minced red onion
• 1/2 cup large pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
• Kosher/Sea Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
• 3-4 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2-3 tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• pita chips for serving

~ Spread hummus evenly, covering the bottom of serving dish (pie plate works well).

~ In a medium bowl, mix together tomato, cucumber, onion, and olives.  Season with  

    salt and pepper to taste.

~ Spread evenly over hummus and top with feta cheese.  Garnish with parsley.

~ Drizzle generously with olive oil and serve with chips.

Recipe from Aldi.