Mediterranean Party Dip
With its cheerful brightly colored veggies, this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dip would make a fun party nibble or a healthy addition to your kids’ lunch boxes along with fresh veggies and pita chips. I hope you will try this dip using my recipe for Labneh (soft yogurt cheese) as it really adds a pleasing texture and just the right amount of tang. However, plain Greek yogurt would be an acceptable substitution.
Recipe Adapted from: Mediterranean Veggie Dip via Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications: Low Calorie, p. 111 (2015)
Yield: about 2 1/2 cups
Recipe Adapted from: Mediterranean Veggie Dip via Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications: Low Calorie, p. 111 (2015)
Yield: about 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Labneh yogurt cheese or 2 cups reduced-fat or full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped bottled roasted sweet red peppers patted dry
- 1/3 cup canned artichoke hearts drained and coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sliced pitted Mediterranean or Greek olives I used a combination
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onion green and light green parts only
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
*Reserve a small amount of a few of the “mix-ins” for garnishing dip (olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, pine nuts, green onions, etc.)
Garnishes
- Paprika
- Reserved “mix-ins”
- Homemade Crispy Pita Chips or store-bought
- Assortment of fresh-cut vegetables
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients.
- If time allows, cover and chill for about 2 hours to allow flavors to “marry.”
- Spoon into a decorative bowl. Sprinkle with paprika and reserved “mix-in’s.”
- Serve on a platter with pita chips and a variety of fresh-cut veggies.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: if time allows, chill dip for about 2 hours to allow flavors to “marry.” Dip may be stored up to 2 days; cover and refrigerate.
Fresh herbs not available? Simply swap the 1 tablespoon of each with 1 teaspoon dried. (although the dip will have a more authentic Mediterranean flavor if you use fresh herbs)
What is labneh? Nothing more than thickened yogurt (also called soft yogurt cheese), many varieties of labneh are commonly found in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisines. Check out my recipe for the super-simple instructions. If you don’t have time to make the labneh, you can substitute 2 cups of plain Greek reduced-fat or full-fat yogurt. (although the consistency will be somewhat thinner)
Once you make labneh for the first time, don’t be surprised if you become hooked! A staple in our house as a base for spreads, dressings or just eating plain with veggie dippers, it is also delicious served with grilled and roasted veggies. Try my Grilled Vegetable Meze with Labneh and see if you agree!
Other easy and flavorful dips you may enjoy are: Edamame Hummus and Romesco Dip.
