Mediterranean Dip

This is the perfect appetizer to make for the 4th of July!  It is bursting with flavor, super easy to throw together, and the end product is colorful and beautiful.  Added bonus: it's full of healthy ingredients.  This is all the best things about Mediterranean food in one delicious little dip. 

It all starts with a layer of cilantro pesto (YUM!) that is topped with hummus, and then sprinkled with all sorts of delicious toppings.  I didn't include amounts for the toppings because it's really up to you. 

MEDITERRANEAN DIP

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and stems
• 2 cloves garlic
• ⅓ cups olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons pecans
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 cups hummus (I like to use the Mediterranean hummus from Trader Joe's.)

Top with: 

• cucumber, chopped
• red onion, thinly sliced
• kalamata olives, finely chopped
• grape tomatoes, chopped
• feta cheese
• pine nuts
• chopped cilantro

Process cilantro, garlic, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until a rough paste forms.


Add pecans, pine nuts and cheese, and process until blended, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl.


With the processor running, pour the remaining oil in a slow, steady stream; process until smooth.  


Spread pesto on a platter.


Spread hummus on top of pesto. 


Top with cucumber, red onion, olives, tomatoes, and feta. 


Add a few pine nuts and cilantro leaves for garnish. 


Serve with pita chips, flatbread, carrots, or whatever you feel like dipping! 


Source:  Tasty Kitchen