Seven-Layer Chickpea Shawarma Dip: Your New Go-To Mediterranean Appetizer

Prepare to elevate your snacking and entertaining game with this phenomenal seven-layer chickpea shawarma dip. Imagine smooth, creamy hummus as the foundation, generously topped with a vibrant parsley salad, savory crumbled feta, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and a delightful crunch from oven-roasted, shawarma-spiced chickpeas and toasted California walnuts. This dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a culinary experience designed to impress with minimal effort.

This post is proudly sponsored by California Walnuts, whose chopped walnuts add an incredible layer of texture and rich, earthy flavor to our chickpea shawarma dip, making it truly irresistible!

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Why This Seven-Layer Shawarma Dip Will Be Your New Favorite

Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional hummus. This layered shawarma dip transforms a simple spread into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures. It’s not just food; it’s an invitation to a delightful gathering, a splash of color for any day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that checks every box: delicious, visually appealing, and incredibly easy to assemble.

We’ve all been there: the day before a big party, and you’re drawing a blank on what to bring. All the classic potluck dishes are taken, and you can’t reuse last year’s watermelon trick. Sound familiar? This seven-layer chickpea shawarma dip is your secret weapon. Instead of just bringing a couple of tubs of store-bought hummus, transform them into an extraordinary creation that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. We won’t tell if you don’t!

Inspired by the creativity of layered dips across the internet, particularly the ingenious concepts from sources like the Minimalist Baker, this recipe takes the classic concept and infuses it with bold, aromatic shawarma spices and wholesome ingredients. It’s not just for parties either; envision scooping it into warm pita bread for a quick, satisfying lunch, enjoying it as a healthy mid-day snack, or serving it as an elegant appetizer for your next supper club. This dip is destined to become a staple in your refrigerator all summer long.

The Art of Semi-Homemade: Effortless Elegance

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the intelligent use of ingredients. While you can certainly make your hummus from scratch, starting with good quality store-bought hummus is perfectly acceptable and saves valuable time. This “semi-homemade” approach allows you to achieve a gourmet-looking and tasting dip without the culinary heavy lifting. It’s about smart entertaining and maximizing flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to actually finish off a whole bunch of parsley, which, let’s be honest, rarely happens in most kitchens!

Deconstructing the Delicious Layers

1. The Creamy Hummus Foundation

Every great dip starts with a solid base, and for our shawarma dip, it’s rich, smooth hummus. While store-bought hummus offers incredible convenience, don’t hesitate to make your own if you prefer. If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality, exceptionally creamy homemade hummus recipe, you can find a fantastic one right here. Do note that some homemade hummus recipes tend to be a little looser in consistency, which might make achieving those perfect, clean swoops a bit trickier, but the authentic flavor is absolutely worth it. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s spread evenly and attractively on your serving platter to create the perfect canvas for the layers to come. Don’t you find the clean lines of hummus surprisingly satisfying?

2. Shawarma-Spiced Roasted Chickpeas: The Crunchy Star

This layer is a game-changer. The chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are transformed from humble legumes into crunchy, flavor-packed bites. We toss them with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and my signature homemade shawarma seasoning. The blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric infuses the chickpeas with an irresistible Middle Eastern aroma. Roasting them in the oven until they are perfectly crisp adds a fantastic textural contrast that makes every bite of this dip exciting. It’s surprisingly simple to do, and the result is utterly addictive.

3. Fresh Parsley Salad: A Burst of Brightness

Next up is what I affectionately call the “chopped parsley salad.” This isn’t just a garnish; it’s a vital layer that provides a refreshing, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the hummus and chickpeas. It’s a simple mix of finely chopped fresh parsley, juicy diced tomatoes, and pungent red onion, all lightly dressed with a generous drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This salad brings a crucial element of freshness and acidity, akin to the “jelly” in a perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich – it just completes the profile. Honestly, I could eat this salad by the spoonful!

4. California Walnuts: The Wholesome Crunch

Here’s where the California Walnuts truly shine. Roughly chopped, these nuts add another layer of satisfying crunch and a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Beyond their taste and texture, California walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Incorporating them into this dip not only enhances the eating experience but also boosts its health benefits, making this dip a smart choice for any occasion.

5. Tangy Crumbled Feta Cheese

A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese introduces a salty, tangy creaminess that is quintessential to Mediterranean cuisine. Its sharp flavor cuts through the richness and adds another dimension of taste that beautifully harmonizes with the parsley, olives, and hummus.

6. Briny Sliced Kalamata Olives

The distinctive, fruity, and slightly briny flavor of sliced Kalamata olives is a must for this dip. They provide a depth of savory goodness and a contrasting color that makes the platter even more appealing.

7. Crisp Diced Cucumbers

Finally, a scattering of crisp diced cucumbers adds a refreshing, cool element and a lovely textural crunch. Their mild flavor acts as a palate cleanser, ensuring each bite remains fresh and exciting.

Yield: 14-16 servings

Seven Layer Chickpea Shawarma Dip

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
35 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

A seven-layer shawarma dip featuring smooth hummus, vibrant parsley salad, salty feta, and crowned with crunchy, oven-roasted chickpeas. We’ll toss the garbanzo beans in a homemade shawarma seasoning and roast them until golden and crisp, then simply layer all these delightful components into one stunning dish!

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and thoroughly drained
• 2 teaspoons shawarma seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 32 ounces (approximately 3.5 cups) of hummus (homemade or store-bought)
• 2/3 cup California Walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cucumbers, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400ºF (200ºC). Pat the rinsed and drained chickpeas very dry using paper towels; this is key for crispiness. Toss them in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the shawarma seasoning, and a good pinch of salt until well coated. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes, making sure to shake or stir them halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning. They should be golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Let them cool for several minutes before adding to the dip.
2. Make the Chopped Parsley Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and diced red onions. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preference. Set aside while you assemble the dip.
3. Assemble the Dip: On a large, shallow serving platter or dish, spread the hummus evenly. For an appealing presentation, you can create gentle “swoops” or swirls in the hummus to cradle the subsequent layers. If you’re using homemade hummus that’s on the thinner side, you might consider refrigerating it for about 15-20 minutes beforehand to help it firm up and hold its shape better.
4. Layering: Once the hummus base is ready, carefully spoon the prepared parsley salad over the hummus, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Follow this with an even layer of the roughly chopped California walnuts. Next, scatter the diced cucumbers, then the sliced Kalamata olives, and finally, the crumbled feta cheese. The final layer should be the cooled, crispy roasted chickpeas, adding the perfect finishing crunch.
5. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, especially the crunch of the chickpeas, serve the dip immediately after assembling. This dip is excellent with warm pita bread, pita chips, crostini, or a variety of fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers, carrots, and celery.

Notes

• Protein Variation: For a heartier version, you can substitute chicken or beef for the chickpeas. Use 1 pound of chicken or beef (flank, sirloin, or skirt steaks work well). Marinate the meat with 1 tablespoon of shawarma seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Marinate chicken for 10-20 minutes, and beef for 1-24 hours. Grill the meat (indoors or outdoors) until cooked through, let it rest, then dice it and add it as a layer in place of the chickpeas.
• Hummus Consistency: If you opt for my homemade hummus recipe, be aware that it tends to be a bit thinner, almost sauce-like. It’s still incredibly delicious, but the layering might look slightly different from store-bought hummus, which is typically thicker.
• Crunch Factor: In humid environments, roasted chickpeas can lose their crispiness quickly. For maximum crunch, assemble the dip just before serving. If preparing ahead, keep the roasted chickpeas separate and add them right before presentation.

Thank you to our wonderful friends at California Walnuts for sponsoring this post! We deeply appreciate partnering with companies that champion wholesome, high-quality ingredients, contributing to both delicious and nutritious recipes!

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

Is this a good choice for you?

This Seven-Layer Chickpea Shawarma Dip is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a flavorful, satisfying, and relatively healthy appetizer or light meal. It’s packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and hummus, healthy fats from olive oil and California walnuts, and a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables like parsley, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted for vegan diets by omitting the feta cheese. The vibrant colors and diverse textures make it appealing to a wide range of palates, from casual snackers to discerning foodies.

It’s particularly great for:

• Parties and Potlucks: Its impressive presentation and generous yield make it ideal for sharing.
• Healthy Snacking: A nutrient-dense alternative to heavier dips.
• Light Lunches: Pair it with pita bread or fresh veggies for a fulfilling mid-day meal.
• Mediterranean Diet Enthusiasts: Aligns perfectly with the principles of Mediterranean eating.

Nutrition label assumes 16 servings. Please note that this is a best estimate as every hummus recipe and ingredient brand can vary. Always consult specific product labels for precise nutritional information.

Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or simply craving a delicious and wholesome snack, this seven-layer chickpea shawarma dip is your answer. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Mediterranean. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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