This Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip recipe takes the classic Tex-mex 7 Layer Dip and goes Mediterranean, with hummus, avocado, labneh and more. Dip your pita chip in 7 layers of Mediterranean flavors and you’ll be in 7^th heaven!

I’m a big fan of the idea that hummus ought to be a foundation, holding up the greatness of other toppings like marinated lamb or sautéed vegetables. In the Mediterranean, this treatment of hummus is Gospel. There, if you serve hummus as a dip rather than as a condiment or a base layer, you’re not doing things right.

The thought of transforming the classic 7 Layer Dip, of the sort that Midwestern Potluck and The Big Game-watching buffets are made of, has been with me for a few years. It’s not that the traditional dip of refried beans and sour cream goodness needs my help—Lord knows I love a good scoop atop a Tostito as much as the next person.

Why you’ll love Mediterranean-style 7 Layer Dip

My idea to change things up is born out of loving the mishmash of our Mediterranean flavors so very very much, and realizing that the bites of all that is good on my Lebanese plate involves perhaps 7 layers of flavor–making them perfect for this dip. Let’s change it up, sports fans! And same to you, snack fans! Go big with this dip by simply using a large casserole dish and using lots of each layer of ingredients.

Ingredients to make Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

Smooth Hummus

Ripe avocado

Tahini

Garlic

Salt

Dried Mint

Fresh Lemon Juice

Cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped

Pitted olives, green or black or a combo, chopped

Labneh or Greek Yogurt

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling

Sumac, for dusting

Big bowl Pita Chips

Here’s how to make Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

Step 1: In a 9-inch glass pie plate or other glass dish with tall sides, spoon the hummus to cover the base of the dish (the hummus layer should be about an inch deep).

Step 2: Next, scatter, or arrange, the chopped tomatoes and olives over the hummus.

Step 3: Make the tahini avocado by mashing the avocado with the tahini, garlic, salt, dried mint, and lemon. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you see fit. Dollop the avocado over the tomato and olive layer, carefully spreading to just inside the edge, allowing the tomatoes to peek through around the edge, from the top view.

Step 4: Be sure to stir the labneh well, then dollop the labneh over the avocado layer, spreading to just inside the edge to allow the lovely green avocado to show through on top. Swoop the back of a spoon over the labneh to create a well in the center.

Step 5: To finish, drizzle olive oil all over the top of the dip. Sprinkle with sumac. Serve immediately with a bowl of pita chips.

Best ways to serve and eat Mediterranean 7 Layer Dip

Serve with homemade baked pita chips! I love baked pita chips — simple to make and a great way to use up the last couple of loaves of pita that seem to hang on! Bake them for a healthier-than-fried version and still just as crunchy, salty, and addictive.

The dip is also delicious with a platter of crisp veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. 

Substitutions and Tips

Realize that the layers have some flexibility, certainly. If it’s me making, I won’t fiddle much. But I know there are plenty of olive-haters in the world. So replace them with something similarly salty, like crumbled feta. Make this spicy by stirring chopped jalapeno pepper into the hummus. 

You’ll wonder how to go vegan: bye bye labneh, hello more chopped vegetables (bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots). Or try a creamy substitute made with nut milks and lemon (there are lots of decent recipes out there). 

As for the labneh, commercial Greek Yogurt makes a fine sub; stir in a squeeze of lemon to impart the more complex flavor of labneh. Note that ingredients can be homemade or purchased. Get good hummus, avocado spread, and Greek yogurt and the recipe comes together fast!

More Recipes like this one to enjoy

Avocado Tahini Dip

Classic Homemade Hummus 

Lebanese Maza Platter

Labneh Green Goddess Dip