A quick, easy Greek Salad Hummus is a heathy light entree or impressive appetizer featuring creamy hummus, fresh veggies, feta, kalamata olives and herbs.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword Hummus, Salad
Prep Time 25 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Author Elizabeth at thewildolive.org
Ingredients
Hummus
1can chickpeas/garbanzo beansdrained
1-2whole, peeled cloves garlic
2Tbsp.-1/4 cup tahini paste
1-2Tbsp.lemon juice
Iced water
salt to taste
Salad
1cupdiced Persian or English cucumbers
1/2cupdiced colored bell peppers
1/2cupdiced cherry, grape or regular tomato
1/3cupsliced, pitted kalamata olives
1/4cupsliced pepperoncini peppers
1/3cupchopped fresh herbssuch as parsley, mint, basil, oregano or a combo of any/all
1/2cupcrumbled feta
extra virgin olive oiloptional
ground sumacoptional
Instructions
Make the Hummus
You will notice that for the garlic, tahini and lemon juice I offer a range of amounts. Start with the lesser amount and add more to taste. If you know you like your hummus to have a strong garlic-tahini flavor, go for the full amount - or more.
In a food processor pulse drained chickpeas until you have a coarse paste. Add the garlic, tahini and lemon juice and 2 Tbsp of iced water. Process one minute; scrape down sides of bowl and taste. Add more garlic, tahini or lemon if desired, and any salt to taste. If your hummus seems a little stiff, add one more Tbsp. of the iced water (or more until it reaches a smooth consistency). Process for 3-4 more minutes or until you have a beautifully smooth, creamy paste. Taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking.
Note: If you are preparing this in something like a Vitamix, you will process it far less time - so just keep checking until you like the texture.
Prep the Salad
Prep all the veggies and toppings into small dice. Remember, you're going to be scooping this into pitas or onto pita chips, so you don't want huge chunks falling off your chips!
If you are unfamiliar with ground sumac, it is a Middle Eastern seasoning made from ground, dried sumac berries. But don't worry, it's not the kind of sumac that can give you a rash! These sumac berries impart a fresh, tart, slightly fruity flavor while adding a pretty pop of color. Sumac is inexpensive and can be found in Middle Eastern and international/ethnic grocery stores or ordered online.
Putting the Greek Salad Hummus Together
Spread the hummus in an even layer onto a serving platter (I used a 12" oval). Evenly distribute the cukes, peppers, and tomatoes over the hummus. Next layer the olives, feta and pepperoncini peppers. Top with the fresh herbs. You can finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sumac. Or, if you're a big fan of pepperoncinis, drizzle a Tbsp. or so of their brine over the top for a tangy pop.