Description
This Easy Christmas Appetizer “Hummus Wreath” is a festive and visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a creamy hummus base layered with crumbled feta, fresh green onions, and a vibrant parsley topping decorated with cherry tomatoes and an optional red pepper bow, this appetizer is both delicious and healthy. It’s quick to assemble, requires no cooking, and serves beautifully with pita chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Base
- 1 (17-ounce) container plain hummus (Sabra Classic or your favorite 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 (approximately 4 1/2 tomatoes)
- 1 large red pepper (optional, preferably with broad, flat sides)
- 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons very finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
Optional Dippers
- Whole-grain pita chips
- Wedges of whole-wheat pita bread
- Red and green vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Hummus Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain hummus, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the Wreath Base: Place a small bowl or drinking glass in the center of a large, round platter (about 12.5 inches in diameter). Using a rubber scraper, spread the hummus mixture evenly in a circular wreath shape around the bowl or glass. Remove the bowl/glass carefully with a gentle upward twisting motion. Use a toothpick if needed to loosen the bowl without disturbing the wreath.
- Prepare the Parsley Salad: In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped parsley with the extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt until the parsley is thoroughly coated and evenly flavored.
- Add the Parsley Layer: Spoon the parsley mixture on top of the hummus ring, leaving a small border of hummus visible around the edges to create contrast.
- Decorate with Cherry Tomatoes: Place halved cherry tomatoes, cut-side down, randomly on top of the parsley layer to mimic Christmas ornaments.
- Create the Red Pepper Bow (Optional): If using the red pepper, cut off one broad flat side. Press a metal, bow-shaped cookie cutter firmly through the pepper slice to form a bow shape, then place this bow on the wreath to add a festive touch.
- Finish with a Feta Dusting: Lightly sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of very finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese over the entire wreath to resemble a light dusting of snow, enhancing the holiday appearance.
- Serve or Store: Serve the wreath immediately with your choice of dippers such as whole-grain pita chips, pita wedges, or fresh veggies. Alternatively, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1-2 days, ensuring the wrap doesn’t touch or damage the wreath.
Notes
- You can prepare the hummus mixture and parsley salad ahead of time separately, storing both in the refrigerator until ready to assemble your wreath.
- The complete wreath can also be assembled up to 1-2 days before serving; however, the parsley layer might soften and darken slightly but will still be flavorful and attractive.
- When storing the assembled wreath, use plastic wrap that does not stick to or crush the wreath to maintain its presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of platter
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
