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Home » Appetizer Recipes

30+ Middle Eastern Dips That Are Better Than the Main Dish

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Feb 16, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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four Middle Eastern dips - zucchini dip, baba ghanoush, labaneh and tahini free baba ghanoush

It's hard to imagine a cuisine more focused on shared, communal small plates than Middle Eastern cooking. And what goes better with summer grilling than a selection of small Middle Eastern dips?

four Middle Eastern dips - zucchini dip, baba ghanoush, labaneh and tahini free baba ghanoush

Middle Eastern dips start with classic garlic hummus but go far, far beyond it. With a base centered around vegetables or dairy products, augmented by a selection of strong, herbaceous flavors, Middle Eastern dips can elevate any meat-and-potatoes meal to a true feast.

And as they are mostly vegetarian and often vegan, they allow those of us who avoid animal products to build a composed, varied and exciting meal with just a few simple dishes.

So grab a stack of lavosh crackers, pita breads, or your favorite sourdough loaf, make a few of these Middle Eastern dips and discover the cuisine of a diverse and delicious region.

1
A Middle Eastern appetizer platter showcasing a variety of foods on a wooden platter.
How to Make the Ultimate Middle Eastern appetizer platter with our best mezze recipes
Once you have all your Middle Eastern dips gathered, you need this handy guide for how to make the ultimate Middle Eastern appetizer platter!
Get the guide
2
Lebanese Baba Ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts with a spoon and pita triangle
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe with Pomegranate seeds and pine nuts
My Lebanese baba ganoush recipe with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts is an elegant, modern version of an authentic middle eastern recipe.
Get the recipe
3
zaalouk in white bowl with ingredients in background
Moroccan Zaalouk, My Favorite Roasted Eggplant Dip
Many people know baba ghanouj, but the undisputed king of Moroccan eggplant salads is the zaalouk. This customizable recipe is a blueprint for delicious eggplant dips and salads that will make you fall in love with this vegetable.
Get the recipe
4
A bowl of baba ganoush without tahini.
Baba ganoush without tahini {GF, keto}
The classic tahini baba ghanoush is a must-try Middle Eastern appetizer, but what if you're allergic to sesame seeds and, therefore, tahini? Then this baba ghanoush with yogurt is for you. Trust me, you won't even notice the tahini is missing.
Get the recipe
5
close up on hummus with parsley and chickpeas
Israeli Hummus Recipe: smooth and silky, made with chickpeas, the best tahini, and chunks of garlic
Hummus is one of those dishes that have become completely ubiquitous with Middle Eastern small plates. Therefore, it made perfect sense that smooth garlic hummus will be on my list of dips - though I think Middle Eastern dips go so much beyond hummus!
Get the recipe
6
close up on jar of yemenite hot sauce with spoon
Schug, the Yemenite Hot Sauce that will spice up your meals
This green Yemenite hot sauce will spice up your baba ghanosh, hummus, or any meat dish you want to serve. Just pile it on in the middle of your favorite dip and discover a world of heat.
Get the recipe
7
Black eyed pea masabacha
Black eyed pea dip with tahini, tomatoes, garlic and hot peppers
This dip is the perfect trifecta: creamy, chunky and spicy all at the same time. Give black eyed pea hummus a try before discounting this lesser known Middle Eastern dip!
Get the recipe
8
Overhead view of beet hummus with chickpeas, parsley and sesame seeds.
Easy and Flavorful Beet Hummus Recipe
Get the recipe
9
baked feta dish with crostini
Baked Feta Dip Appetizer Recipe with Dates, Hazelnuts and Honey {Gluten Free}
A savory and creamy combination of baked feta topped with crunchy, sweet dates, hazelnuts, and honey.
Get the recipe
10
Coated labaneh balls with herbs
Homemade Labaneh Balls, or the ultimate Middle Eastern Appetizer for Cheese Platter
Creamy and smooth, labaneh is a yogurt cheese rolled in a selection of herbs and spices.
Get the recipe
11
A jar of tahini sauce with parsley.
My Go-To Tahini Sauce Recipe
The best tahini sauce has a few ingredients and a simple technique. Get the ultimate recipe here!
Get the recipe
12
Overhead view of a freshly garnished dish of sweet potato hummus.
Creamy roasted sweet potato hummus recipe
A creamy and luscious hummus that combines the sweet flavor of sweet potatoes and the nutritious powerhouse of chickpeas.
Get the recipe
13
A springtime platter of Middle Eastern vegetables and wine on a table for entertaining.
Recipes for easy springtime Middle Eastern entertaining with wine: spring hummus with crispy chickpeas, goat cheese with herbs and wine-soaked strawberries {GF, Veg, V}
These three Middle Eastern inspired appetizers all feature wine, and they're all the better for it! Recipes for easy springtime Middle Eastern entertaining with wine will make your al fresco dining routine even nicer.
Get the recipes
14
A hand holding a spoon with middle eastern dips in a bowl.
https://theveganlarder.com
Zucchini Babaganoush (Smokey Courgette Dip)
You’re going to love this Zucchini Babaganoush if like me you have grown too many zucchini! Anyone who has grown courgettes /zucchini will know that you
Check out this recipe
15
A bowl of middle eastern dill dip with carrots and celery.
https://richanddelish.com/
Tzatziki Sauce
This Greek tzatziki sauce is made with grated cucumber, chopped dill, olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.
Check out this recipe
16
A person holding a bowl of middle eastern dips with lemons and olives.
https://veganhuggs.com
Vegan Tzatziki
This Vegan Tzatziki is just as good as the original and you won’t believe that it’s dairy-free. It’s rich, creamy, tangy, and so darn easy to make — just blend, chill and serve!
Check out this recipe
17
A bowl of middle eastern dips with chips and tortillas.
https://www.lavenderandmacarons.com
Muhammara Dip Recipe
This easy Turkish Muhammara Dip with bell peppers and walnuts is sure to become your favorite appetizer for a crowd. It’s Vegan and so yummy!
Check out this recipe
18
Roasted Garlic Labneh
Roasted Garlic Labneh
Tangy, and smooth labneh with a head of roasted garlic! You can’t go wrong, it’s not only tasty but full of protein and probiotics!
Check out this recipe
19
A bowl of Middle Eastern dips with cucumbers and carrots.
https://pipingpotcurry.com/
Easy 5-minute Yogurt Dipping Sauce with Garlic & Herbs - Piping Pot Curry
Easy Yogurt Dip made with few ingredients in just 5 minutes. Fesh, creamy & flavorful, it is perfect to enjoy with veggies, fries, kebabs or burrito bowls.
Check out this recipe
20
A bowl of Middle Eastern dips with pita chips and sprigs of dill.
https://hildaskitchenblog.com/
Purslane Recipes You Have to Try! | Hilda’s Kitchen Blog
What’s healthier than spinach and makes this dip extra special? PURSLANE! So if you’re looking for purslane recipes, check out these recipes!
Check out this recipe
21
A bowl of cucumber and onion salad with middle eastern dips on a wooden table.
https://simplyscrumptiouseats.com/
Turkish Shepherd Salad
This homemade Turkish Shepherd Salad is full of flavor and made with mixed fresh vegetables: tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and more!
Check out this recipe
22
A bowl of mashed potatoes inspired by middle eastern dips.
https://chefjar.com/
Lebanese Garlic Sauce Toum - Chefjar
This Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum) is creamy and light. Made with garlic, oil, lemon juice and salt. It goes especially well with grilled meat.
Check out this recipe
23
Smoked Paprika Hummus (Vegan)
https://www.myplantifulcooking.com/
Smoked Paprika Hummus (Vegan)
Creamy, rich and perfectly smoky, this smoked paprika hummus is highly addictive! It is easy to make, and only requires a few ingredients.
Check out this recipe
24
A bowl of red sauce with a leafy green leaf on top, typical of middle eastern dips.
https://flawlessfood.co.uk/
Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce
Delicious Spicy Kebab Shop Chilli Sauce. Full of flavour and packs a good punch. Adjust the amount of chilli to suit your taste. Quick and easy to make, tastes great with grilled meat /chicken/ fish.
Check out this recipe
25
A bowl of hummus, a popular middle eastern dip, with onions and cilantro on a table.
https://urbanfarmie.com
Easy Homemade Raita (Indian Yogurt Sauce)
This Indian raita is a yogurt sauce that can be served with almost any heavy, spicy, or grilled dish. Perfect palate-cleanser!
Check out this recipe
26
Keto Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
https://lowcarbyum.com/
Keto Roasted Cauliflower Hummus
This easy keto roasted cauliflower hummus has all the rich traditional flavors you expect. However, the dip has only a fraction of the carbs!
Check out this recipe
27
A plate of Middle Eastern hummus with pita bread and tomatoes.
https://www.acedarspoon.com/
Ful Medames (Fava Bean Dip)
Ful Medames (Fava Bean Dip) is a warm, healthy dip mixing mashed fava beans, olive oil, cumin, garlic and lemon juice.
Check out this recipe
28
A plate of Mexican shrimp enchilada served with middle eastern dips.
https://alwaysusebutter.com/
Ezme - Spicy Turkish Salsa
Make authentic spicy Turkish Ezme in just 15 minutes. A super healthy sauce, salad or meze loaded with veggies and not much else.
Check out this recipe
29
A bowl of middle eastern hummus with chickpeas and olive oil.
https://thealmondeater.com/
Buttery Turkish Hummus
This Buttery Turkish Hummus uses butter in place of tahini, requires just four ingredients and is the creamiest hummus you’ll ever eat!
Check out this recipe
30
A bowl of middle eastern dips with pita bread on a white background.
https://familyspice.com/
Persian Yogurt Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)
Made with onions, spinach and garlic, this delicious Borani Esfanaj (Persian Yogurt Spinach Dip) makes a great snack or appetizer.
Check out this recipe
31
Middle Eastern hummus and pita chips on a plate.
https://cookingwithcarlee.com/
Egyptian Feta Spread
A perfect mix of fresh herbs, lemon juice, feta, tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil spread over pita. This would make a perfect starter for your next meal! I love getting to explore the world
Check out this recipe
32
A plate of Middle Eastern hummus with meat and nuts.
https://thesaltandsweet.com
Hummus with Beef- The Salt and Sweet Kitchen
This Hummus with Beef recipe is a simple, authentic and popular Lebanese dish. Hummus with beef is a perfect appetizer, side dish or
Check out this recipe
33
Middle Eastern hummus with chickpeas and pita bread.
https://theforkedspoon.com/
White Bean Hummus Recipe with Za’atar and Sweet Paprika
White Bean Hummus Recipe with Za’atar and Sweet Paprika - a must-have, deliciously smooth and creamy, perfectly spiced variation of everyone’s favorite classic hummus recipe. Still totally vegan and dairy-free.
Check out this recipe
34
A bowl of middle eastern dips on a table with a spoon.
https://www.cookeatworld.com/
Borani Kadoo (Afghani Squash Salad) | براني كدو - A recipe from Cook Eat World
This amazing salad Borani Kadoo (Afghani Squash Salad) is one of the tastiest I’ve ever cooked. Supercharged flavour and simple too!
Check out this recipe
35
A bowl of Middle Eastern sweet potato hummus on a blue tablecloth.
https://ihackeddiabetes.com
Low Carb Roasted Kabocha Hummus
Low Carb Roasted Kabocha Hummus blended together with tahini, garlic and lemon to make this a packed rich, nutty and lemony hummus.
Check out this recipe
36
A bowl of middle eastern hummus with carrots and pita bread.
https://www.eatthelove.com/
Turkish Carrot Yogurt Dip | Carrot Yogurt Dip | Eat the Love
This easy-to-make Turkish Yogurt Carrot Dip is incredibly addictive and tasty. You’ll be making it not only for dinner parties, but for everyday eating.
Check out this recipe
37
A plate of middle eastern dips with olives and a glass of oil.
https://zardyplants.com
Vegan Labneh
Part yogurt, part cheese, this thick and creamy vegan labneh couldn’t be any more simple or delicious and is no-strain!
Check out this recipe
38
Lemon Herb Green Tahini Sauce
https://danastable.com/
Lemon Herb Green Tahini Sauce
This lemon and herb green tahini sauce is perfect for adding some zest to your meal! Great as a dip, sauce, or dressing.
Check out this recipe

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    Mexican-Style Black Bean Hummus
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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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