Description
This Easy Christmas Appetizer Hummus Wreath is a festive and healthy party starter featuring creamy hummus layered with tangy feta, fresh green onions, and vibrant parsley, decorated with cherry tomatoes and a red pepper bow. Perfect for holiday entertaining, it’s easy to assemble, visually stunning, and served with crunchy dippers like whole-grain pita chips or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Layer
- 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 (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, 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 for dipping
Instructions
- Combine hummus, feta, and green onions: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the plain hummus, 1/2 cup of reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese, and the thinly sliced green onions until well combined for a flavorful base layer.
- Arrange base layer on platter: Place a small bowl or drinking glass in the center of a large, round platter (approximately 12.5 inches diameter). Use a rubber scraper to spread the hummus mixture evenly in a circle around the bowl, forming a wreath shape. Carefully remove the bowl with a gentle, upward twisting motion; use a toothpick if needed to release it cleanly.
- Prepare parsley topping: In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley with olive oil and kosher salt until the parsley is evenly coated. This will add freshness and flavor to the wreath.
- Layer parsley on hummus: Spoon the parsley mixture evenly over the hummus ring, leaving a small border of hummus visible around the edge to create visual contrast.
- Add cherry tomato ornaments: Place halved cherry tomatoes cut-side down sporadically onto the parsley layer to mimic the look of Christmas ornaments decorating the wreath.
- Create optional red pepper bow: If desired, slice one broad, flat side off a large red pepper. Use a metal bow-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a red pepper bow and gently press it onto the wreath as a festive centerpiece decoration.
- Dust with crumbled feta “snow”: Lightly sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of very finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese over the entire wreath to simulate a delicate dusting of snow, being careful not to obscure the other ingredients.
- Serve or store: Serve 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 for up to 1-2 days, taking care to avoid crushing or smudging the wreath.
Notes
- You can prepare the hummus layer and parsley salad layer separately up to 1-2 days ahead; keep refrigerated and assemble the wreath just before serving.
- If the parsley layer is made in advance, it may soften and darken slightly but still maintains good flavor and appearance.
- Use a bowl or glass that matches the size of your platter center to create the wreath hole appropriately.
- Adjust the amount of crumbled feta sprinkled on top based on your wreath size for the perfect snow effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of wreath platter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
