Mediterranean Party Dip

For my LAST RECIPE of 2015, (where did this year go?) I offer you this super-easy and fun to make flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dip! Just in time for your New Year’s party!…

CLICK HERE for my complete collection of New Year’s Recipes!

With its cheerful brightly colored veggies, this chunky spread would make a fun New Year’s party nibble or a healthy addition to your family’s lunch boxes along with fresh veggies and pita chips.

 
Pssst…if you have a few extra minutes, whip up a batch of my Homemade Crispy Pita Chips! So much healthier and tastier than most store-bought varieties!

 
I hope you will try this AMAZING 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.

 
Exactly, what is labneh? Nothing more than thickened yogurt, an incredible array of labnehs are commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisines. Check out my simple recipe (using a combination of goat and cow’s milk yogurt strained in cheesecloth) 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! After sampling many varieties in Israel, my husband and I discovered it is a wonderful base for spreads, dressings or just eating plain with veggie dippers and have been making a batch weekly since our return. Labneh is also delicious served with grilled and roasted veggies. Try my Grilled Vegetable Meze with Labneh and see if you agree!

Mediterranean Party Dip

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

 
Click HERE for the complete recipe, but in the nutshell, here is what you do:

 

Instructions

Prepare all ingredients.

 
Combine in a medium bowl. Cover; 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.

Print Recipe

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

Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven

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)

Notes:

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)
 

Click HERE for Edamame Hummus Recipe

Click HERE for Romesco Dip Recipe

Click HERE for Tamari-Peanut Dipping Sauce Recipe

Coming to the Blog: Looking Back at Meal Planning Maven’s Most Popular Recipes for 2015

I invite you to visit my Recipe Collections where lots of goodies such as goodies such as Favorite Crockpot Dishes, Pack ‘n Go Lunch Favorites, Winter Dishes, Favorite Poultry Dishes, Pudge-Busting Favorites, Dinners in a Flash, Freezer-Friendly Meals, and Healthier Indulgences are awaiting your discovery!

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Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven