Step 1

Begin by making hummus. Combine first eight ingredients (garbanzo beans through lemon juice) in a food processor. Process until smooth. If needed, drizzle a few tablespoons of olive oil through the feed tube to help smooth out mixture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 2

Choose a large serving platter. Spread the hummus down the middle and along one side, leaving space on the other half of the platter. Using a spoon or back of a spatula, make a sweeping motion to spread out hummus.

Step 3

Lay crackers or pitas along the opposite side of the hummus. Sprinkle cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and cheese down the middle of the hummus and pitas, stacking and layering for presentation. Sprinkle parsley over top. Serve immediately.