Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

 

September in the Pacific Northwest-the nights are crisp and cool, the days are warm and sunny, the leaves are just starting to change color, and weekends are for mountain hikes, a little meat on the grill, and friends hanging out on the patio.

Inspired by the tastiest gyro platter I have ever consumed, at a teeny hole in the wall restaurant in the heart of a large Armenian neighborhood in Southern California, this simple appetizer will make you the star of your next patio party and have everyone asking for the recipe.

Bright and fresh, good for you ingredients, easy to assemble, quick to disappear-what more could you ask for?

Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

16 oz hummus, pre-made or homemade ( I used Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus)
12 oz tzatziki, pre-made or homemade ( I used Trader Joe’s Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip)
2 heads romaine lettuce, coarse chopped
3 large slicing tomatoes, or 6 Roma tomatoes, or 1 lb cherry tomatoes- diced
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
1 cup black olives, sliced
12 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1 large bunch parsley, rough chopped (if desired)

On a large platter, layer all ingredients starting with hummus and finishing with parsley.  Serve with garlic crostini, pita chips, or homemade naan (recipe here-Greek Yoghurt Naan)

Serves 8-10