Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups: A Flavorful, Fun, and Healthy Appetizer for Every Season
There’s something undeniably comforting about digging into a bowl of hummus, especially when it’s paired with crisp, colorful vegetables and that signature creamy texture. My love for hummus goes way back. When I was a child, my grandmother always had a bowl ready on the kitchen table, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and her famous homemade pita chips. Inspired by her traditional style but modernized for convenience and presentation, I’m excited to share one of my favorite go-to recipes: Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups.
These mini delights are not just delicious. They’re perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or packing for lunch. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue in summer or a cozy holiday gathering in winter, Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups bring freshness, flair, and nutrition to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
Portion-controlled and easy to serve, they are ideal for gatherings where guests may not want to share a communal dip bowl. No mess, no fuss. Each guest gets their own flavorful serving. Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups are customizable and colorful. Each cup becomes a mini platter filled with Mediterranean favorites. These cups work in any season, refreshing during summer and comforting in winter.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Each serving includes one individual cup. Here’s what you’ll need for these Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups.
For the Hummus Base:
- 1½ cups classic hummus, either store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin, optional
- Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup English cucumber, finely diced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon za’atar or sumac, optional for added flavor
For Dipping:
- 6 mini pita breads, sliced into wedges
- Assorted vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, and snap peas
How to Make Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
Step 1: Prep the Hummus Base
If you’re using store-bought hummus, enhance the flavor by stirring in lemon juice and a pinch of cumin. Taste and season with a little salt if needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Cups
Use small clear plastic or glass cups, about 5 ounces, to create a clean and visual presentation. Spoon about ¼ cup of hummus into each cup, smoothing the surface.
Step 3: Add the Mediterranean Toppings
Layer a small amount of each topping over the hummus. Add tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with za’atar or sumac. Finish with freshly chopped herbs for a colorful and fragrant touch.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Serve Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups on a large platter. Add dipping options like pita wedges and crisp vegetables around the cups. You can also insert some vegetable sticks directly into the cups for easy grab-and-go enjoyment.
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
Go homemade if possible. A hummus made from scratch with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice can really elevate the dish. These cups are make-ahead friendly. Assemble a few hours before your event, and refrigerate. Add herbs and olive oil just before serving. Make it vegan by skipping the feta, and you’ll still get full-bodied flavor. To make it keto, avoid pita and use more low-carb vegetables.
Customization Ideas
Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups are wonderfully versatile. Add a spicy twist with a drizzle of harissa or chili oil. For a protein boost, include grilled chickpeas or small pieces of rotisserie chicken. If you’re going for a sweet-savory combination, try roasted red pepper hummus topped with grilled peaches. For a holiday party, add dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts to the mix.
The Nutritional Edge
These Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups don’t just look great. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients. Hummus is rich in plant-based protein and fiber. Tomatoes and cucumbers add hydration and antioxidants. Olives contribute healthy fats. Feta cheese, if included, provides calcium and a creamy texture. Each cup, without pita, contains roughly 120 to 150 calories, making it a light but satisfying option.
When to Serve Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
These cups are a hit at any event. During summer, they’re cool and refreshing. In winter, they bring a taste of sunshine to your table. Serve them at baby showers, holiday dinners, game nights, or corporate lunches. They also make great school lunchbox additions. Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups are as functional as they are tasty
Read more : https://chefnip.com/candy-corn-hummus-cups/
More Reasons to Love Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
These cups are not just easy to make and visually appealing. They also solve real-world hosting problems. In today’s world where many guests are more health-conscious and hygiene-aware, having individual servings instead of a shared bowl helps put everyone at ease. It’s a small touch that adds a lot of thoughtfulness to your gathering.
They are also perfect for portion control. Whether you’re tracking your intake or simply want to avoid over-snacking, each cup gives you the ideal amount. If you’re hosting a party, they help you plan your portions precisely for your number of guests. Six servings? Six cups, no guesswork.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Assemble
One of the best surprises I discovered while making Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups is how much kids enjoy them. The colorful layers and scoopable veggies make it fun to eat. If you have little ones, let them help with assembly. They can add their favorite toppings or design their own cup. It’s a wonderful way to get kids interested in healthy eating and cooking.
Add a crunchy element like chickpea croutons or crushed pita chips for extra fun and texture. You can even make a DIY hummus cup bar for birthday parties or family gatherings, where everyone builds their own.
Perfect for Office Lunches and Meal Prep
Tired of boring sandwiches or soggy salads? Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups are a refreshing alternative. They pack well in containers and hold up nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days if kept sealed. Store the hummus and toppings separately and assemble just before eating for the freshest flavor.
They’re also budget-friendly. A few cans of chickpeas, fresh produce, and pita bread can feed several people at a fraction of the cost of catered lunches. For office potlucks, they offer a professional yet homemade touch.
Pairing Ideas to Complete the Spread
These cups are tasty enough to stand on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers. Here are some ideas to create a complete, crowd-pleasing platter:
- Stuffed grape leaves
- Mini falafel balls
- Grilled halloumi cubes
- Tzatziki with cucumber spears
- Roasted red pepper dip
- Tabouleh salad in small glasses
Serve Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups at the center of your platter surrounded by these complementary bites and watch the table light up.
Make It Seasonal with Ingredient Swaps
Because Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups are so adaptable, you can adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season. In the summer, use fresh garden cucumbers, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, and fresh mint. In winter, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and warm spices like paprika or cinnamon add depth and richness.
For fall events, include roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Spring versions can have radishes and baby greens for a fresh and peppery bite. With a little creativity, this one recipe can serve you year-round without ever feeling repetitive.
Entertaining Made Easy
If you’re planning a gathering, Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups take the stress out of prep. They can be made in advance, and because they are cold appetizers, there’s no last-minute reheating or timing worries. Just pull them from the fridge, garnish, and serve.
They also travel well. So whether you’re headed to a friend’s house or a park picnic, these cups arrive looking as fresh and pretty as they did at home. All you need is a cooler and a simple serving tray.
Hosting Tip: To elevate the look for a more elegant occasion, use clear mini glasses or glass jars instead of plastic cups. Add a small bamboo fork or wooden pick and a sprig of fresh parsley on top. It makes the appetizer look like it came straight from a caterer.
The Story Behind Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups
This recipe is more than a snack. It’s a blend of my Italian roots, my love for Mediterranean flavors, and my desire to bring practical beauty to everyday meals. I believe recipes like this, simple yet full of meaning, are the heart of any kitchen.
When I first made these Mediterranean Individual Hummus Cups for a family reunion, I wasn’t sure how they would be received. To my surprise, they disappeared faster than any of the other dishes on the table. My aunt asked for the recipe. My cousin asked if I could bring them again next year. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.
FAQ
Why is Sabra hummus being boycotted?
Sabra has been boycotted at times because of political controversies involving its parent companies. Some consumer groups have raised concerns over ownership ties and business practices, leading to boycott campaigns.
Does Costco sell hummus cups?
Yes, Costco often sells packs of individual hummus cups, including brands like Sabra and Kirkland Signature, depending on location and availability.
Is hummus ok on a Mediterranean Diet?
Yes, hummus is considered an excellent choice on the Mediterranean Diet. It is made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and garlic, which fit the diet’s focus on plant-based, nutrient-rich foods.
Who makes Trader Joe’s Mediterranean hummus?
Trader Joe’s Mediterranean hummus is produced by third-party manufacturers. The exact supplier is not publicly disclosed, but Trader Joe’s partners with established hummus producers to create its private label version.
Do individual hummus packs need to be refrigerated?
Yes, individual hummus packs need to be refrigerated to stay fresh and safe to eat. They should be kept cold until ready to serve.
Does Costco sell individual hummus packs?
Yes, Costco usually sells boxes of individual hummus packs, often in multipacks for convenience.
Why did Sabra stop making hummus?
Sabra has temporarily stopped production in the past due to recalls or food safety inspections. The stoppages are usually temporary and related to quality or safety improvements.
Is it okay to eat hummus every day?
Yes, it is generally safe to eat hummus every day in moderation. It is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Portion control is important since it can be calorie-dense.
Why does hummus have to be eaten within 2 days?
Once opened, hummus should be eaten quickly because it is made from fresh ingredients that spoil easily. Bacteria can grow if it is stored too long after opening, even in the fridge.
Is Costco hummus good for you?
Yes, Costco hummus is generally healthy. It is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. However, it is best to check the label since sodium and oil content vary by brand.
