Tricolore Dip Platter: Muhammara, Hummus & Tzatziki Trio

this RECIPE

Description

A stunning three-color dip platter starring smoky Muhammara (red pepper & walnut), silky roasted carrot hummus, and cool, herby tzatziki. A flavor trio that’s as beautiful as it is bold—perfect for dipping, scooping, and sharing.

Ingredients

Muhammara (Red):
2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
70 g walnuts, toasted
2 tbsp panko or breadcrumbs
1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
1 garlic clove
1 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch cayenne (optional)
Salt, to taste
2–3 tbsp olive oil

Roasted Carrot Hummus (Orange):
300 g carrots, roasted until soft
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper
2–4 tbsp olive oil
Water as needed, to blend

Tzatziki (Green):
200 g thick Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped dill or mint
Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the muhammara by adding the roasted peppers, toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, garlic, paprika, cayenne, and salt to a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the mixture is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
2. For the roasted carrot hummus, combine the roasted carrots, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin in a food processor. Blend until smooth, then add olive oil. Add water gradually to adjust the consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. To make the tzatziki, squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated cucumber. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, and salt. Stir well and chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
4. Assemble the platter by scooping each dip into its own section of a large plate or into small bowls. Garnish with olive oil, sesame seeds, chopped herbs, crushed walnuts, or a dusting of paprika.
5. Serve with warm flatbread, crackers, or raw vegetables.

Notes
For a richer presentation, drizzle each dip with olive oil and top with fresh herbs or nuts. Use colorful bowls to match each dip’s hue. Make the dips ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love It

1. This tricolore dip platter combines three bold and complementary Mediterranean flavors into one visually stunning and highly satisfying dish. The muhammara delivers a smoky depth with hints of sweetness and spice, the roasted carrot hummus brings a smooth, earthy richness with nutty undertones, and the tzatziki offers a fresh, cooling contrast with creamy texture and herbal brightness. Each dip is carefully balanced in flavor and texture, creating a layered tasting experience that feels both comforting and refined.
2. It’s ideal for sharing at gatherings, as a vibrant starter, or as part of a larger mezze spread. All three dips can be made in advance, making this recipe both practical and time-saving. Served with warm flatbread, crisp raw vegetables, or seeded crackers, it’s an easy yet elevated option that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether for a casual picnic, holiday table, or dinner party, this platter delivers on presentation, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Helpful Tips

1. Roast the carrots until deeply tender: For the smoothest carrot hummus, make sure the carrots are fully roasted and slightly caramelized. This enhances sweetness and improves blending.
2. Use quality olive oil: A good olive oil makes a big difference in both flavor and texture, especially for garnishing each dip before serving.
3. Drain cucumbers thoroughly: Excess water in the tzatziki can make it watery. Grate the cucumber finely, then squeeze it well using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
4. Toast the walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring out a richer, nuttier flavor in the muhammara. Let them cool before blending to avoid bitterness.
5. Adjust textures to your preference: Add water or olive oil gradually while blending to control the consistency of each dip. Some people prefer chunkier muhammara or a looser hummus—taste and tweak as needed.
6. Chill the tzatziki: Letting it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes improves the flavor and gives the garlic and herbs time to infuse.
7. Make ahead and store: All three dips can be made up to 2–3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and garnish just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Walnuts
You can replace the walnuts in the muhammara with toasted almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds are a great substitute, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.

Roasted Red Peppers
If you prefer not to use jarred peppers, roast fresh red bell peppers in the oven until the skin is charred, then peel and use. This will add a slightly deeper and smokier flavor to the muhammara.

Chickpeas
White beans such as cannellini or butter beans can be used instead of chickpeas in the carrot hummus. They offer a smoother, milder base that still pairs well with the roasted carrots.

Tahini
If tahini isn’t available, use cashew butter or a neutral nut butter for a similar creamy texture. You can also try Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier variation.

Greek Yogurt
To make the tzatziki dairy-free, use a thick plant-based yogurt alternative. Coconut or oat-based yogurts with no added sugar work best.

Herbs
Dill and mint are traditional for tzatziki, but you can also use fresh parsley or a combination of soft herbs depending on availability and taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

This colorful dip trio works beautifully as the centerpiece of a mezze spread or as part of a grazing board for casual entertaining. Serve it with a variety of dippers such as toasted pita wedges, grilled flatbread, seeded crackers, or raw vegetables like cucumber sticks, bell pepper slices, and baby carrots. For a more elevated presentation, add small bowls of olives, feta cubes, roasted nuts, or marinated artichokes to the platter. You can also spoon a portion of each dip into individual jars or ramekins for a mess-free, grab-and-go option at picnics or buffet tables.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

All three dips can be made in advance, making this recipe perfect for entertaining or meal prep. Prepare each dip up to three days ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, give each dip a good stir before serving and add fresh garnishes like olive oil, herbs, or spices right before plating. If the hummus thickens in the fridge, loosen it with a small splash of water or lemon juice. The tzatziki is best consumed within two days, as the cucumber can release moisture over time. Avoid freezing the dips with fresh yogurt or herbs, but the muhammara and carrot hummus freeze well for up to one month if stored in tightly sealed containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dips in advance?
Yes, all three dips can be prepared up to 2–3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Stir before serving and add fresh garnish for best presentation.

Can I freeze any of the dips?
Tzatziki is not suitable for freezing due to the yogurt and cucumber texture, but the muhammara and roasted carrot hummus can be frozen in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.

Is this platter suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the muhammara and carrot hummus are naturally vegan. To make the tzatziki vegan, simply use a thick dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or oat-based alternatives.

What should I serve with the dip platter?
This platter pairs well with warm pita bread, flatbread, seeded crackers, or a selection of crunchy raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery.

How can I make the dips spicier?
To add heat, increase the cayenne in the muhammara, add a pinch of chili flakes to the hummus, or stir a bit of grated garlic or horseradish into the tzatziki for an extra bite.

More Dip Recipes You Might Enjoy

Looking for more dip inspiration? These delicious and easy recipes pair well with the Mediterranean flavors of the Tricolore Dip Platter:

• Try this rich and creamy Cream Cheese Dip from Healthy Recipes Blog, made with simple ingredients and perfect for fresh vegetables or crackers.
• For a quick and flavorful option, Kim’s Cream Cheese Dip blends cream cheese with salsa and taco seasoning—great for casual get-togethers.
• Prefer something warm and melty? This Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip from Wellness by Kay is hearty, cheesy, and ideal for sharing straight from the oven.

These dips are easy to prepare and work beautifully for parties, snacking, or serving alongside your favorite platters.

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