Description
This Easy Christmas Appetizer Hummus Wreath is a festive and visually stunning dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It layers creamy hummus with crumbled feta and green onions, topped with a vibrant parsley mixture and decorated with cherry tomatoes to resemble colorful ornaments. A red pepper bow and a light dusting of feta create a snowy effect, making it both delicious and decorative. Simple to assemble and delightful to serve with pita chips or fresh veggies, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings holiday cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Layer
- 1 (17-ounce) container of purchased 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 Topping
- 3/4 cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/16 teaspoon kosher salt
Decorations
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (about 4 1/2 tomatoes)
- 1 large red pepper (optional, for 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 vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare Hummus Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the plain hummus, 1/2 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Form the Wreath Base: Place a small bowl or drinking glass in the center of a large, round platter (approximately 12.5 inches in diameter). Using a rubber scraper, spread the hummus mixture evenly in a ring around the bowl/glass, forming wreath shape. Carefully remove the bowl/glass with a gentle upward twisting motion, using a toothpick if necessary to help release it.
- Make Parsley Topping: In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley with extra virgin olive oil and kosher salt until the parsley is fully coated and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Add Parsley Layer: Spoon the parsley mixture in a circular layer on top of the hummus wreath, leaving a small border of hummus visible around the edges.
- Decorate with Cherry Tomatoes: Place halved cherry tomatoes, cut side down, scattered randomly over the parsley layer to resemble Christmas ornaments.
- Create Optional Red Pepper Bow: If using, cut one broad, flat side from the red pepper. Use a metal bow-shaped cookie cutter to press out a bow shape from the pepper slice. Gently place the pepper bow on top of the wreath to complete the festive look.
- Finish with Feta Dusting: Lightly sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of very finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese over the entire wreath as a dusting to resemble snow. Adjust amount according to wreath size to ensure a light, decorative effect.
- Serve or Store: Serve the wreath immediately with your choice of dippers such as whole-grain pita chips, pita bread wedges, or sliced vegetables. Alternatively, cover tightly with plastic wrap without pressing onto the wreath and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.
Notes
- You can prepare the hummus mixture and parsley topping separately ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to assemble the wreath.
- If assembling the entire wreath in advance, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days but avoid plastic wrap touching or distorting the wreath’s appearance.
- Parsley topping may soften or darken slightly if made ahead, but it will still taste fresh and look attractive.
- Choose a platter size of around 12.5 inches in diameter to create a visually balanced wreath.
- For variety in dippers, consider including colorful fresh vegetables like red and green bell peppers, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of the wreath (about 100g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
