Mediterranean Hummus Platter with Veggies (Printable Version)
A vibrant, shareable platter featuring creamy hummus surrounded by crisp vegetables and classic Mediterranean accompaniments.
# What You Need:
→ Hummus
01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 3 tablespoons tahini
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
04 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 2-3 tablespoons cold water
→ Fresh Vegetables
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
11 - 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1 cup carrot sticks
13 - 1/2 cup radishes, sliced
14 - 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
→ Mediterranean Accompaniments
15 - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
16 - 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
17 - 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
18 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for vegan option)
19 - Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped for garnish
20 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for garnish
21 - Pita bread or gluten-free crackers for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - In a food processor, combine drained chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and sea salt. Blend until smooth, gradually adding cold water as needed to reach desired creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
02 - Transfer blended hummus to the center of a large serving platter. Using the back of a spoon, create decorative swirls across the surface. Drizzle with additional extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika.
03 - Artfully arrange prepared fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, quartered artichoke hearts, sliced roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese (if desired) in a circular pattern around the hummus center.
04 - Distribute chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley generously over the entire platter as final garnish.
05 - Present the platter directly to diners accompanied by warm pita bread or gluten-free crackers for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The homemade hummus has a silky texture that store-bought versions cant touch, and watching friends discover this difference is utterly satisfying.
- You can assemble it while chatting with guests, no last-minute cooking stress, and everyone gravitates toward its colorful abundance.
02 -
- Cold water, not warm, is the secret to fluffy hummus - I learned this after years of making dense, heavy batches.
- Arranging vegetables by height (taller items at the back, shorter at the front) creates a platter that everyone can easily access without reaching over things.
03 -
- For the smoothest hummus ever, pop the chickpea skins off by gently pinching each one - its meditative and makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- Make the hummus a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before assembling your platter for deeper flavor development.