Mediterranean Pita Nachos with California Figs

Mediterranean nachos are a fresh twist on a popular snack. We’ve got two ways to make them: as pita bread nachos with a pita chip nacho recipe below, or using croccantini, super-crispy crackers that keep their snap even with all the toppings.

Figs for the Pita Bread Nachos

Either Sun-Maid or Orchard Choice Golden Figs or Mission Figs would be a great choice for the pita nachos recipe. Golden Figs are nutty, slightly sweet, and tangy. Mission Figs bring a jammy, deeper sweetness that stands up well with the kalamata olives on the nachos.

Fresh Moves for Nachos

Diced red bell pepper, along with chopped tomatoes and red onions add fresh flavors. Garnished with green onion and parsley, they bring color, as lemon juice and olive oil contribute brightness. An additional flourishing of dried oregano and crushed red pepper complete the dish.

Melty Moves for Pita Bread Nachos

Instead of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese is used—part-skim or regular shredded cheese rather than fresh mozzarealla balls. Feta cheese adds a salty note—you can use either pre-crumbled feta or a block of feta that you drain from the brine and crumble by hand.

Finally, use pita chips or croccantini. You’ll find a method below for making pita chips at home.

Mediterranean Pita Nachos with Figs

Making pita bread nachos switches up the usual preparation. This pita nachos recipe brings feta, figs, and olives onto the pile of pita chips.

Nutrition

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Servings 10 people

Ingredients

Fig-Olive Salsa

• 1 cup Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid California Figs stemmed and finely chopped
• 1 cup red bell pepper diced
• 1 cup Roma tomato chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted, chopped
• 1/3 cup parsley finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper optional

For Nachos

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, part-skim or regular, not fresh
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese drained if in brine
• 6 ounces pita chips preferably whole grain, or homemade – recipe below

Instructions

• In a small bowl, stir together Salsa ingredients. Toss to blend well. Set aside for 10 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
• To bake and serve: Adjust oven rack to middle position. Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly oil a 14-inch inch pizza pan, 7-x-11-inch rectangular baking pan or other a shallow oven-safe pan. Spread half of chips in a single layer on pan. Top with half of Fig Salsa and sprinkle with half of each of the cheeses. Top with remaining chips, Salsa and cheese.
• Bake nachos in oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until mozzarella cheese melts. Serve at once.

Notes

To make pita chips: Preheat oven to 375°. Warm 1/3 cup olive oil with 1 clove smashed garlic in small saucepan over medium heat, just until fragrant. Discard garlic. Slice 6 ounces whole wheat pita breads in half lengthwise to make 4 rounds. Lightly brush one sides of each with garlic-oil. Cut each round into triangle-shaped wedges. Spread in single layer on a large, oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt, if desired. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until crisp.

Recipe and photo Lorelle Del Matto

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Nutrition Facts

Mediterranean Pita Nachos with Figs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 235 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 31mg10%

Sodium 563mg23%

Potassium 141mg4%

Carbohydrates 17g6%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 995IU20%

Vitamin C 24.8mg30%

Calcium 209mg21%

Iron 1.4mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe and photo by Lorelle Del Matto