Layered Mediterranean Dip

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Ingredients

  • Ingredients:
  • Recipe: Layered Mediterranean Dip
  • Yield: 1 12-inch round plate of dip
  • For the cilantro pesto:
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp. pecans
  • 2 tbsp. pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • To assemble the dip:
  • Hummus
  • Cilantro pesto (above)
  • Cucumber, seeded and diced
  • Red onion, diced
  • Banana peppers, chopped
  • Sliced olives (black or Kalamata)
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Oven-dried tomatoes

Preparation

Step 1



To assemble the dip:
Hummus
Cilantro pesto (above)
Cucumber, seeded and diced
Red onion, diced
Banana peppers, chopped
Sliced olives (black or Kalamata)
Crumbled feta cheese
Oven-dried tomatoes



Directions:


To make the cilantro pesto, combine the cilantro, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, pecans, and pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse repeatedly until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the processor running, add the remaining olive oil in a steady stream and process until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the Parmesan. (If storing for later use, drizzle with a thin film of olive oil, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto, and store in an airtight container.)



To assemble the dip, spread a layer of hummus on a serving platter. Spread the cilantro pesto over the top of the hummus. Layer evenly with cucumber, red onion, banana peppers, olives, feta, and oven-dried tomatoes as desired. Garnish with an additional few tablespoons of minced fresh cilantro. Serve with pita chips.