Monday, May 27, 2013

7 Layer Greek Dip



Hummus  and veggies are a great snack.
For parties, on days like Memorial Day, I like to transform this snack into a crowd-pleaser Seven Layer Greek Dip, served with pita chips!

Just like with this simple lentil appetizer, all these ingredients can be found at Trader Joe's.

16oz container of hummus - any variety (by all means, if you have more time, make your own!)
1 english cucumber, finely chopped 
1 red bell pepper (or tomato), finely chopped
12oz Tzatziki sauce (*see note 1 below)
3/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1 container feta cheese - about 1 cup
3 Tbsp balsamic glaze (**see note 2 below)
drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Start with an 8" x 8" serving dish.

Layer the ingredients in the order above.
Drizzle with the balsamic glaze, olive oil, and sprinkle a few fresh dill sprigs on top.
Serve with pita chips.

That's it!
So simple!

Now for some tips:

*note 1: Tzatziki is a Greek yogurt dip with cucumber and dill. Very light and refreshing.  Makes a great dip, or serving sauce with lemon chicken, too! Trader Joe's sells a good, ready made Tzatziki dip.
But you can make it yourself so easily, and all you really need is the leftover fresh dill from above, and another finely chopped cucumber.  Buy plain Greek yogurt (please, not vanilla!), and mix in fresh dill and cucumber.  Add some black pepper and a bit of salt. Done!
Great to make the day before you need to use it.

*note 2:  Balsamic vinegar is great in a salad dressing.
Balsamic glaze is great on ANYTHING!  You can buy this pre-made (which I recommend) at Trader Joe's in the salad dressing aisle.  It is just vinegar and sometimes a bit of apple juice, cooked down and slowly reduced, until it becomes a lovely, sweet, rich syrup. YUM.



All packed up and ready to go!

Hope you all have had a great long weekend!

So There.




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