Mediterranean Layered Dip

Most of us have an appetizer we are “known for” and this happens to be mine. I started making this layered dip about 3 years ago and it has always been a huge hit and is a welcomed healthier variation to the standard layered dip.

The base of this recipe is hummus. The majority of hummus recipes use tahini (sesame seed paste), which is a source of calories and fat, but the heart healthy fats. Making homemade hummus allows you to control the amount of tahini added and therefore keep the fat and calorie counts a little lower. To keep this dip easy and simple, I often use a store bought hummus.

The recipe can be easily modified depending on what is available and what one is in the mood for. Sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts and more can be added.
 

• Cherry Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and a good source of vitamin K and potassium. Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, especially the concentration of lycopene.
• Fresh herbs pack a lot of flavor without the need for added fat.
• Spinach is high in vitamin K, rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and B6.
• Hummus provides iron, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and folic acid, or folate. Hummus also provides protein through the use of chickpeas.