Description
This Greek Style Loaded Hummus recipe is a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that combines creamy hummus with fresh Mediterranean toppings like kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, herbs, and toasted pine nuts. It’s dressed with olive oil and sprinkled with sumac or paprika, making for a beautiful and delicious dish perfect for sharing as a dip or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetables & Add-ins
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (pitted and chopped, optional)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers (about 4 mini cucumbers)
- 1 small red onion or shallot (thinly sliced, about ¼ cup)
- 2–3 pepperoncini peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Herbs
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, chives, plus extra for garnish)
- Sumac or paprika (for sprinkling)
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Toasted pine nuts (for garnish)
- Lemon slices or wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the toppings: Chop the kalamata olives if using, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes as preferred, slice the cucumbers, thinly slice the red onion or shallot, and thinly slice the pepperoncini peppers. Mince the garlic clove. Set all these aside in separate small bowls to make assembly easy.
- Mix seasoning and herbs: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, and chives). This mixture will add fresh and zesty flavor to the loaded hummus.
- Assemble the loaded hummus: Spread the hummus evenly on a shallow serving dish or plate. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the hummus for richness and a glossy finish. Distribute the chopped olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced onion, and pepperoncini peppers evenly across the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the prepared herb and spice mixture over the dish. Then, add a light dusting of sumac or paprika on top for a subtle tangy flavor and beautiful color contrast. Finish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts for added crunch and a nutty taste. Garnish with extra chopped herbs and lemon slices or wedges around the plate for serving.
- Serve: Present the hummus immediately as part of a mezze platter or appetizer spread. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a flavorful side. Enjoy it fresh to maintain the crispness and brightness of the ingredients.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade hummus according to preference.
- Kalamata olives are optional but add a salty, briny punch to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to your heat tolerance.
- Sumac can be substituted with paprika for garnish based on availability or taste preference.
- Toasted pine nuts add crunch and richness; you can substitute with toasted almonds or walnuts if preferred.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the fresh, crisp texture of the toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
