Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

ap·pe·tiz·er

/ˈapəˌtīzər/ noun

1. a small dish of food or a drink taken before a meal or the main course of a meal to stimulate one’s appetite.
   

Aah appetizers! How I love them so. They can be oh-so-wonderfully varied, yet they all share the same function – to stimulate the tastebuds.  From a simple bowl of olives or salted nuts to the most sophisticated aperitifs, they are meant to whet the appetite in anticipation of the culinary delights to follow.

I am always on the hunt for new and interesting taste-tempters. Choosing the right appetizer for the right occasion to suit your guests is key. Do you need something sophisticated or more casual? Are your guests adventurous foodies, or would they rather stick to the same foods? As the host, do you have time to dedicate to a new creation, or do you need a quick, tasty dish that can be prepared ahead of time? Generally, I am reaching for the latter. 

Enter the Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip.  The Mediterranean diet is alluring and inspiring, and often acknowledged as linked to longevity. This dip simultaneously achieves the perfect balance of traditional tastes and new flavors, minimal preparation and beautiful presentation, and a simple yet rich blend of colors and flavors.  An instant crowd pleaser, this dip incorporates some of the staples of the Mediterranean diet.  As the Greek toast goes, kalí órexi, or “have a good meal!”

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 10 oz tub of hummus (or prepare your own)

2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 T fresh lemon juice

1 t fresh dill

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced*

2 large Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced*

1/2 c chopped Kalamata olives

2 green onions, chopped

1/2 c crumbled Feta cheese

1/4 c of fresh herbs (try parsley, mint, basil, oregano or a combo of all)

* After seeding tomatoes and cucumbers, blot with paper towel to absorb water to avoid soggy dip.

1. In mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice and fresh dill until well combined.  Spread into the bottom of an 8×8 pan or similar
2. Spread hummus over the yogurt layer.
3. Create layers of the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and green onions.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta as a next layer.
5. Top with fresh herb blend.
6. Chill for several hours or overnight to blend flavors.
7. Serve with fresh vegetables, Belgian endive leaves or seeded crackers and enjoy!