Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfectly Simple: A Mediterranean Twist on Classic Dips!
Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight
Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy appetizer to impress your guests? Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight is the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and herbaceous flavors, all in one stunning dish. This recipe brings together the smooth, velvety richness of hummus with the bright and tangy notes of a freshly made tabouli. And the best part? You can make it as simple as you like! By using store-bought hummus, you save time without sacrificing taste, letting you focus on whipping up the tabouli—a quick mix of bulgur, parsley, fresh veggies, and a lemony dressing. The result is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
This dish is versatile enough for a variety of occasions. Serve it as an elegant appetizer at dinner parties, a light snack for casual get-togethers, or a healthy option for potlucks and game days. With its eye-catching wreath shape and pops of fresh cherry tomatoes, it’s guaranteed to grab attention on any table. Pair it with naan dippers or pita chips for the ultimate dipping experience, and watch it disappear in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to hosting, this recipe is an easy win that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated. So why not try it out and add a taste of the Mediterranean to your next gathering?
Enjoy!
What Ingredients do I need?
Produce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Italian parsley
- Roma tomatoes
- cucumber
- fresh mint
- scallions
- lemon
Grains
- bulgur
Pantry
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Store-Bought Options
- Hummus (any flavor)
- Naan dippers or pita chips
- Pistachios
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions
- Hummus: Substitute store-bought hummus with homemade hummus or a different creamy dip like baba ganoush or Greek yogurt with garlic.
- Bulgur: Use quinoa, couscous, or rice if bulgur isn’t available. For a gluten-free option, quinoa is perfect.
- Italian Parsley: Swap with curly parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro for a slightly different flavor.
- Pita Chips or Naan Dippers: Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery for dipping.
Variations
- Layered Hummus: Use a mix of classic, roasted red pepper, and garlic-flavored hummus for a colorful base.
- Spiced Hummus: Sprinkle smoked paprika, za’atar, or chili flakes on top of the hummus for added flavor.
Tabouli Twists
- Grain-Free Tabouli: Replace bulgur with finely chopped cauliflower or broccoli rice for a low-carb version.
- Kale Tabouli: Swap parsley for finely chopped kale for a heartier, nutrient-packed version.
- Fruit-Infused Tabouli: Add pomegranate seeds or diced dried apricots for a sweet, tangy pop.
Toppings
- Cheese Lovers: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the tabouli.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for texture.
Presentation Styles
- Layered Dip: Spread the hummus in a dish, layer the tabouli on top, and garnish with cherry tomatoes for a layered dip effect.
- Mini Servings: Serve individual portions in small glasses or bowls for an elegant appetizer presentation.
Kitchen Tips and Notes
Tabouli Tips
- Chop Like a Pro: Use a food processor for parsley and mint to save time. Pulse gently to avoid over-processing into a paste.
- Keep It Fresh: Use firm, ripe tomatoes and seed them to avoid excess liquid in the tabouli.
- Customize the Texture: Cook the bulgur to your preferred texture—softer for a creamier tabouli or chewy for more bite.
- Make Ahead: Prepare tabouli up to a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully as it chills.
Assembly & Serving Tips
- Presentation Perfection: Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even circle or wreath shape for the hummus on your platter.
- Easy Drizzle: For a professional look, drizzle olive oil with a small squeeze bottle or a spoon in a spiral motion over the hummus.
- Room Temperature: Let the hummus and tabouli come to room temperature before assembling for the best flavor.
- Serve Fresh: Assemble the dish close to serving time to maintain the tabouli's vibrant texture and prevent the hummus from getting watery.
- Repurpose Smartly: Use leftover tabouli in wraps, salads, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium to large bowl for combining the tabouli ingredients. I love the ones with lids as they make great storage for leftovers!
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure the bulgur, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. This is a great set.
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for chopping parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and scallions. This is a favorite.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping the fresh ingredients.
- Microplane: For zesting the lemon.
- Spoon: For tossing the tabouli.
- Saucepan: To cook the bulgur according to package instructions.
- Strainer: To rinse the bulgur before cooking or drain it if needed.
- Platter or Serving Dish: A flat platter or wide bowl to create the wreath or donut shape with the hummus.
- Food Processor: If making homemade hummus or chopping parsley and mint quickly.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook, and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.
Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight
Store bought or homemade hummus (any flavor)1 1/2 cup cooked bulgur (cooked according to package instructions)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups Italian parsley, chopped
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup small diced cucumber
1/3 cup mint, chopped
3 scallions, chopped
For the Tabouli: Add ingredients to a bowl and toss to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
To prepare the Tabouli-Topped Hummus Delight: Form a wreath or donut shape with the hummus on a platter. Top the hummus with the prepared tabouli. Add cherry tomatoes around the circle. Drizzle with a little olive oil, top with pistachios, sprinkle with a little paprika, and serve with naan dippers or pita chips.
