Description
Celebrate the holidays with this Easy Christmas Appetizer Hummus Wreath, a festive and colorful dish featuring creamy hummus layered with crumbled feta, fresh green onions, and Italian parsley, decorated with cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper bow for a vibrant, healthy party centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Layer
- 1 (17-ounce) container of plain hummus (such as Sabra Classic or homemade)
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (from about 2 onions)
Parsley Layer
- 3/4 cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/16 teaspoon kosher salt
Garnishes
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (about 4 1/2 tomatoes)
- 1 large red pepper, optional (choose one with broad, flat sides for optional bow)
- 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons very finely crumbled, reduced-fat feta cheese (for dusting)
Optional Dippers
- Whole-grain pita chips
- Wedges of whole-wheat pita bread
- Red and green veggies
Instructions
- Combine hummus mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the plain hummus, 1/2 cup of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, and thinly sliced green onions until well combined.
- Form the wreath base: Place a small bowl or drinking glass at the center of a large, round platter (about 12.5 inches in diameter). Use a rubber scraper to spread the hummus mixture around the bowl in a circular shape, creating the base of the wreath. Carefully remove the bowl by twisting it upwards gently, using a toothpick if needed to loosen edges.
- Prepare parsley topping: In another small bowl, toss chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt until the parsley is evenly coated.
- Assemble parsley layer: Spoon the parsley mixture evenly in a circle on top of the hummus layer, leaving a small border of hummus visible around the edges.
- Decorate with tomatoes: Arrange halved cherry tomatoes, cut-side down, randomly on top of the parsley layer to mimic festive Christmas ornaments.
- Create red pepper bow (optional): If using, cut a broad, flat slice from the red pepper, press a metal bow-shaped cookie cutter through it to form a bow shape, and place it on the wreath as a decorative topper.
- Add feta dusting: Sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of very finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese lightly over the entire wreath to resemble snow, making sure not to obscure the underlying ingredients.
- Serve or store: Serve the hummus wreath immediately with your choice of pita chips, pita bread wedges, or fresh veggies for dipping. Alternatively, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days, taking care not to damage the presentation.
Notes
- You can prepare the hummus mixture and parsley salad layers up to 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate them separately, assembling the wreath just before serving.
- If you make the complete wreath ahead of time, cover it loosely with plastic wrap without smushing or sticking to the toppings to preserve freshness and appearance.
- The parsley layer may soften or darken slightly when made ahead but will still taste delicious.
- For a different presentation, substitute or add in colorful veggies such as sliced cucumbers or bell pepper strips as dippers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of platter (~100g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
