Mediterranean Hummus with Olives and Feta

Mediterranean Hummus with Olives and Feta is the ultimate party dip or a delicious healthy snack to meal prep for the week! A homemade batch of hummus is ready in just 15 minutes, and the Kalamata olive, feta cheese and toasty pine nut topping makes it extra amazing!

This is hummus at the next level! The gorgeously bold flavored topping over this creamy paprika hummus is the perfect crowd pleaser. Build your snack board around it, or just keep it in the fridge all week for healthy snacking.

Making hummus with olives and feta is EASY! It's one of those things to stop buying and start making!  

Try my Avocado Bean Dip or my Raisin Pine Nut Goat Cheese Dip too! For a big party, add this Parmesan Herb Veggie Dip or my baked Goat Cheese Artichoke Dip to the grazing board!

Ingredients

This basic tahini yogurt hummus recipe uses simple ingredients and is very classic in flavor. It can be served on its own, but is made extra special with the olive and feta topping!

For the Hummus

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) - High in protein, chickpeas are the classic base for this Mediterranean hummus.

• Tahini - Sounds fancy, but tahini is just ground up sesame seeds. Think of it as a cousin to peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. If you don't have it, you can substitute sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, sunflower butter, almond or cashew butter, or more plain yogurt. I would not substitute peanut butter as its flavor is too strong.

• Plain Yogurt - Yogurt hummus is extra creamy and even more rich in protein. You can make hummus without yogurt to keep it vegan and dairy-free. Just follow the recipe without it, and add a bit of water or more olive oil if your hummus is too thick.

• Olive Oil - Olive oil gives this Mediterranean hummus its rich silky texture. A bit more drizzled over the finished dish is a beautiful garnish.

• Lemon - Arguably the most important ingredient! Fresh lemon juice really makes this dip pop with bright freshness! Use the juice of 1 whole lemon, making sure to strain out the seeds.

• Garlic - Use 1 or 2 fresh cloves of garlic, depending on your taste preference.

• Salt and Pepper - The basic seasonings enhance the flavor of all ingredients.

• Paprika - This paprika hummus adds nice flavor. A lot of recipes use cumin, which I am just not a huge fan! The paprika gives it a little pop, and a bit sprinkled over the top looks really nice!

For the Topping (optional but delicious!)

• Kalamata Olives - These are the "good" olives! Do not use the sliced black olives from a can! Save those for taco dip! Kalamata olives, or a high quality green olive, bring the Mediterranean flavor.

• Feta Cheese - If you can, buy feta cheese that comes in a block in a container of brine. It's the freshest and best quality.

• Pine Nuts - An expensive ingredient, but a little goes a long way! By toasting just 1 tablespoon in a skillet, this pine nut hummus gives an amazing aroma and flavor.

• Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar - This is a light dressing, a quick marinade for the olives, feta and pine nuts. White wine vinegar or lemon juice could be substituted. Make the topping first so it can sit a few minutes while you make the hummus.

• Fresh Herbs - Fresh herbs make all the difference! Really any Italian flavored herb combination including basil, parsley, thyme, scallions or oregano will tie this dish together!

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1 - Toast the Pine Nuts. This is a crucial, 3 minute step! Pine nuts are expensive, so don't bother eating them without toasting them!

Don't walk away, they burn quickly. Toss them around in a dry skillet until they are just fragrant.

Step 2 - Make the Topping. Mix up the topping ingredients in a bowl. Do this first so the flavors can marinate a few minutes while you make the hummus.

Step 3 - Make the Hummus. Add all the ingredients for the hummus to a food processor or high speed blender.

Process at least 3 to 5 minutes until very smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula.

Step 4 - Garnish and Serve. Spread the hummus into a serving bowl and add the topping. Use as much or as little as you like.

I like to keep it to one side so guests have the option of eating plain hummus. Garnish with a few pinches of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.

Hummus & Topping Variations

This is a simple basic hummus recipe, which is great on its own or can be a blank canvas for extra flavors!  The hummus itself can be flavored, or the topping can be altered for all different combinations!

• Hummus Variations - You can add a flavor to this basic hummus recipe such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, avocado, or fresh herbs.

• Roasted Carrot Hummus - Bold flavored and delicious!

• Cilantro Lime Hummus - A slightly spicy hummus that takes on a guacamole flavored twist!

• Topping Variations - This plain hummus is delicious with the olive and feta topping, but I know olives can be a love it or hate it kind of food! You can substitute the olives with garden cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, or diced cucumbers tossed with the feta and pine nuts.

Storage & Make Ahead Instructions

• Storage - Store extra hummus in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. It can be stored with the topping, or separately.

• Make Ahead - Hummus is great to make a day in advance for a party! You may want to keep the topping separate and add it just before serving. It's also excellent to meal prep for healthy snacking all week! Cut up veggies and store in a container in the fridge alongside the hummus.

• Freezer - Hummus without the topping can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to use.

What to Serve With Hummus

Mediterranean Hummus is the perfect anchor for any party snack board. A healthy addition to game day, holiday parties, and summer barbecues! Surround your bowl of dip with anything you like!

• Raw Veggies - Carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pea pods, celery or broccoli.

• Salty Snacks - Warmed flatbread or pita and hummus is the best! Add a couple options such as pretzels, crackers, pita chips, or even tortilla chips.

• As a Spread - This feta and olive hummus is delicious on a veggie bagel or deli wrap with avocado, spinach, cheese, cucumber and bell pepper. A good addition to a turkey sandwich too!

• Charcuterie Board Dip - Hummus is a great anchor to build a grazing board around for the holidays or any big gathering. Add veggies, meats, a few different cheeses, nuts, and salty snacks. Add this Raisin Pine Nut Goat Cheese Appetizer to make a large appetizer platter!

• Game Day Menu - Pair a big platter of hummus with a pot of Beef Vegetable Chili or these Crockpot Italian Beef Sandwiches for the perfect party menu!

• Lunch of Dinner Side Dish - Veggies and hummus make a healthy protein-packed lunch or side dish! Especially great in the summer with burgers or brats from the grill!

If you made this recipe, I'd love to hear how you liked it!  Be sure to leave a star rating by clicking the stars in the recipe card, or leave a comment below!

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