The Ultimate 7-Layer Greek Dip with Tzatziki, Hummus & Feta
Transform your next gathering with the ultimate 7-Layer Greek Dip, a vibrant and incredibly flavorful appetizer that promises to be the star of any party. Layered with creamy tzatziki, rich hummus, and tangy feta cheese, this dip is not only a show-stopping visual delight but also a surprisingly healthy option that disappears in minutes!
Forget the mundane and embrace the Mediterranean magic! This recipe guides you through creating a perfectly balanced dip that’s bursting with fresh, authentic Greek flavors. It’s an effortless way to bring a taste of the Aegean to your table, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple healthy snack. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
At the heart of this sensational dip lies the refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Its cool, tangy profile beautifully complements and elevates every other ingredient, creating a symphony of tastes with each scoop. We first fell in love with a similar tart yogurt dill sauce when paired with baked carrot fries, and it’s equally spectacular with a variety of healthy alternatives to chips. We highly recommend making a little extra tzatziki to keep on hand in the fridge for all your dipping needs!
While we’ll guide you through our favorite classic layering combination for this irresistible Mediterranean dip, the beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. We’ll also explore an array of customization possibilities, allowing you to tailor this healthy appetizer to your exact preferences. Craving a different twist? Consider a Tex-Mex rendition, like the popular 7-layer dip from Real Balanced, for another crowd-pleasing option!
Crafting Your Greek Dip: The Essential Layers
One of the best aspects of this Greek layered dip is its flexibility. The quantity of each ingredient is entirely up to your taste and the size of your serving dish. We provide suggested measurements, but feel free to adjust them to include more of what you love. Starting from the bottom, here’s a guide to building the classic layers:
1. Creamy Hummus: The Foundation
Begin your masterpiece with a generous layer of creamy hummus. This provides a wonderfully smooth and rich base that anchors all the subsequent flavors. You can easily purchase a prepared container from your local grocery store for convenience, or if you prefer a fresh, vibrant taste, whip up your favorite homemade version. Many quick recipes exist, such as the 5-Minute Hummus recipe on the Real Simple website. Its earthy flavor and smooth texture are indispensable.
Low-Carb Tip: For those looking to reduce carbohydrates, you can opt to omit this layer entirely or use a smaller portion. The dip will still be incredibly flavorful!
2. Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce: The Cornerstone
The second layer is the star of our Greek dip: the cooling and tangy Tzatziki sauce. This delightful concoction is a harmonious blend of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, pungent garlic, fragrant dill, and finely shredded cucumber. It’s crucial to prepare this layer first, allowing it about 20 minutes to sit in the refrigerator. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more profound and refreshing taste. While store-bought tzatziki is an option in a pinch, the fresh, homemade version offers an unparalleled burst of flavor that truly elevates the dip.
Vegan Tip: To make this dip dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets, simply use a coconut-based or other plant-based yogurt for your tzatziki sauce.
These initial “wet” layers of hummus and tzatziki are essential as they mingle together, infusing all the other ingredients you pile on top with moisture and incredible Mediterranean zest. To ensure a harmonious scoop with every dip, remember to chop all subsequent ingredients into small, uniform pieces. This makes it easier to enjoy the full flavor profile on a single cracker or vegetable stick.
3. Crisp Cucumber: A Burst of Freshness
For the third layer, add finely diced cucumber. We recommend opting for seedless varieties like English or Persian cucumbers if possible, as they contain less water and have a crisper texture. However, standard garden cucumbers also work perfectly fine and will still deliver a refreshing crunch without any complaints. This layer adds a vital cool and crisp element, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients.
Pro Tip: Buy extra cucumbers to slice into rounds or sticks. They make excellent low-carb dippers for this healthy appetizer.
4. Zesty Red Onion: A Touch of Piquancy
Next up, a layer of finely chopped or thinly sliced red onion. The vibrant purple hue of red onion adds a beautiful pop of color, while its distinctive zingy flavor provides a delightful contrast to the milder ingredients. While red onion is highly recommended for its unique characteristics, if you prefer a milder taste, finely chopped green onions can be a fantastic alternative. If you choose green onions, be sure to save some of the bright green tops for an attractive and flavorful garnish on the very top layer!
5. Juicy Tomatoes: Sweet and Tangy
The fifth layer introduces the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh tomatoes. For the best results, seed several plum tomatoes and dice them finely to prevent the dip from becoming watery. Alternatively, you can halve sweet grape or cherry tomatoes, which offer a delightful pop of flavor and convenience. This layer adds a juicy, vibrant element that brightens the entire dip.
6. Tangy Artichoke Hearts: Mediterranean Delight
For the sixth layer, incorporate chopped artichoke hearts. Choose canned artichoke hearts that are not pre-marinated, to ensure the purest flavor that won’t clash with the other Greek ingredients. Drain them thoroughly and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Artichoke hearts introduce a wonderful tangy, slightly briny taste and a tender texture, adding another dimension of Mediterranean authenticity to your dip.
7. Crumbled Feta Cheese: The Crown Jewel
Finally, crown your magnificent creation with the seventh layer: plenty of crumbled feta cheese. The salty, tangy, and crumbly nature of feta is quintessential Greek and perfectly ties all the flavors together. This final layer adds a robust flavor punch and a delightful texture, making every spoonful truly irresistible. For the best taste, seek out authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk.
8. Optional Green Onion Garnish: Fresh Finishing Touch
If you opted for green onions in layer four, now is the time to sprinkle those vibrant green segments over the top as a beautiful and aromatic garnish. Even if you used red onion, a scattering of fresh parsley or dill can add a lovely finishing touch and enhance the overall freshness.
Unleash Your Creativity: Alternative Mediterranean Ingredients
The true joy of creating this Greek layered dip lies in its adaptability. This list offers a wealth of additional ingredients you can swap in or add to build your own perfect, personalized dip. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a unique masterpiece!
- Legumes: Add a layer of hearty chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Peppers: Incorporate diced red, green, or yellow bell peppers for sweetness, crunch, and color. For a spicy kick, finely chop some jalapeño peppers.
- Olives: Briny Kalamata olives, sliced or halved, are a classic Mediterranean addition that pairs perfectly.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an intense, sweet-tart flavor, add chopped oil-packed or rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes.
- Greens: A layer of fresh baby spinach adds a lovely earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- Grains: Cooked quinoa or rice can be added for texture and to make the dip more substantial.
- Raw Vegetables: Think beyond the usual! Shredded carrots, finely chopped cauliflower florets, sliced mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets can all add crunch and nutrients.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond dill, consider fresh parsley, oregano, or mint for an aromatic boost.
- Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can provide a delightful nutty crunch.
Truly, your only limits are your imagination and the size of your chosen serving bowl. Mix and match to discover your favorite combinations!
Perfect Presentation: How to Serve Greek Layer Dip with Tzatziki
The visual appeal of this layered dip is undeniable, making the choice of serving vessel important. For reference, a 7-inch by 3-inch round glass bowl works beautifully, offering enough space for at least 7 layers with a little room to spare for another if you get creative!
This versatile appetizer can be elegantly presented in a variety of containers:
- Classic Casserole Dish: A shallow casserole dish allows for a wider spread, making it easy for multiple people to dip simultaneously.
- Deep Bowl: A deep glass bowl, like the one used in our photos, showcases the beautiful layers.
- Large Platter: For a more casual, spread-out presentation, layer your ingredients on a large, flat platter.
- Individual Servings: For single-serve portions perfect for events, divide the dip into small serving vessels like charming mason jars or clear plastic cups. This minimizes mess and offers a sophisticated touch.
Healthy Scoops: The Best Dippers for Your Greek Dip
When it comes to enjoying this fantastic Greek dip, there’s a world of dipping possibilities beyond the standard potato chips. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier option or simply want to explore new textures, you’ll find plenty of delicious choices:
- Crackers and Chips: While the goal is often healthier, if you do opt for crackers or chips, choose wisely. Consider whole wheat crackers, gluten-free options, or those high in protein for a more nutritious crunch. Baked pita chips are also a wonderful complement.
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread, cut into small triangles or served as mini pita pockets, is an authentic and satisfying choice.
- Sliced Cucumbers: Crisp cucumber slices are an excellent low-carb, refreshing dipper that enhances the dip’s fresh flavors.
- Bell Peppers: Cut red, yellow, or green bell peppers into wide strips. Their sweet crunch and sturdy shape make them perfect for scooping.
- Lettuce Cups: For an ultra-light and refreshing option, spoon the dip into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or endive leaves).
- Tortilla Wraps: For a more substantial bite, spread the dip onto small tortillas and roll them up, creating mini wraps.
Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this dip. It’s so good, you might even find yourself just dishing it out and eating it with a spoon – it’s that delicious! True story!
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe: 7-Layer Greek Dip with Tzatziki
7-Layer Greek Dip with Tzatziki
Greek Layer Dip with Tzatziki, Hummus and Feta Cheese is the show-stopping appetizer that quickly disappears at parties and just happens to be healthy too!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Marjory Pilley
Ingredients
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill (chopped; or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup Cucumber (grated)
Layers
- 10 ounces Hummus (about 1 ¼ cup)
- 1 recipe Tzatziki Sauce (prepared as above)
- 1 Cucumber (diced)
- ½ Red onion (diced)
- 4 Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced, or equivalent grape/cherry tomatoes)
- 14 ounce Artichoke hearts (chopped, canned/not marinated)
- 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 Green Onion (mostly green parts, sliced, for garnish)
- Crackers or crudites for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the Tzatziki yogurt dill sauce in a bowl. Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Spread the hummus evenly in the bottom of your chosen serving dish to form the first layer.
- Carefully spread the prepared Tzatziki yogurt dill sauce on top of the hummus layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining diced and chopped ingredients in distinct layers, following the order listed above: cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and finally, crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with sliced green onion if using.
- Serve immediately with your preferred crackers, pita bread, or fresh crudités for dipping.
Notes
- This dip can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated. For best freshness, add tomatoes and feta just before serving.
- This recipe comfortably filled a 7-inch by 3-inch round bowl, with potential for an additional thin layer if desired. This appetizer is also perfect for layering in a casserole dish, a deep serving bowl, a large platter, or even divided into individual small serving vessels like mason jars for a personalized touch.
- Be sure to review the main article for more creative ingredient layers and various healthy dipper options.
- To make this recipe low-carb friendly, use vegetable dippers such as bell peppers or cucumber slices, and consider reducing or omitting the hummus layer. A small amount of hummus may be acceptable for some low-carb phases.
- Nutritional estimate provided is for the dip itself, excluding dippers.
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