Hummus is a tasty and versatile dip that goes well with many foods. It’s made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
This creamy spread is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for snacks or meals.
You can pair hummus with a wide range of sides to create a delicious and filling dish. From fresh veggies to warm pita bread, there are many options to try.
The right sides can add crunch, flavor, and nutrients to your hummus plate. Let’s explore some great foods to eat with hummus.
1. Pita Bread
Pita bread is the perfect partner for hummus. This soft, round flatbread has a pocket that’s great for stuffing. You can tear off pieces to scoop up hummus or cut it into triangles for dipping.
Warm pita tastes even better. Heat it in the oven or on a grill for a few minutes.
The warmth brings out its flavor and makes it more pliable.
Try different types of pita. Whole wheat offers a nutty taste, while white pita is lighter. Some pitas come with seeds or herbs baked on top for extra flavor.
2. Carrot Sticks
Carrot sticks are a classic pairing with hummus. They offer a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness that complements the creamy dip perfectly.
To prepare carrot sticks, simply wash and peel fresh carrots. Cut them into thin strips about 3-4 inches long. You can make them thicker or thinner based on your preference.
Carrot sticks provide a healthy, low-calorie option for dipping. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
For best results, serve your carrot sticks chilled. This enhances their crispness and makes them more refreshing when paired with room temperature hummus.
3. Celery Sticks
Celery sticks are a classic pairing with hummus. Their crisp texture and mild flavor make them perfect for scooping up the creamy dip.
You can easily prepare celery sticks by washing and cutting stalks into 3-inch pieces. For a fun twist, try stuffing the celery with hummus instead of dipping.
Celery adds a satisfying crunch and boosts the nutritional value of your snack. It’s low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.
To jazz things up, top hummus-filled celery sticks with chopped olives, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of paprika. This makes for an eye-catching and tasty appetizer at parties.
4. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices are a refreshing choice to pair with hummus. You can cut them into thin rounds or sticks for easy dipping.
The cool crunch of cucumbers balances the creamy texture of hummus nicely. They’re low in calories and high in water content, making them a light and healthy option.
For extra flavor, try sprinkling your cucumber slices with a bit of salt or lemon juice. You can also use English cucumbers, which have thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular ones.
5. Red Bell Pepper Strips
Red bell pepper strips are a tasty and colorful choice to pair with hummus. They add a sweet crunch that complements the creamy dip perfectly.
Cut your red peppers into thin strips for easy dipping. The bright red color looks great on a serving platter next to the beige hummus.
Red peppers are packed with vitamin C and other nutrients. This makes them a healthy option for snacking. Their mild flavor won’t overpower the hummus, creating a balanced bite every time.
6. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a perfect match for hummus. Their small size makes them easy to pop in your mouth whole. You can serve them raw for a fresh, juicy burst of flavor.
Try different colors of cherry tomatoes to add visual appeal. Red, yellow, and orange varieties create a pretty mix on your plate.
For a twist, lightly roast the tomatoes in the oven. This brings out their natural sweetness. Sprinkle with a little salt and olive oil before roasting.
Cherry tomatoes offer a nice contrast to the creamy texture of hummus. Their bright, slightly acidic taste balances the rich, savory dip.
7. Grilled Eggplant
Grilled eggplant makes a great side dish for hummus. Its smoky flavor and soft texture pair well with the creamy dip.
To prepare, slice eggplant into rounds and brush with olive oil. Grill until tender and lightly charred. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or thyme.
You can serve the grilled eggplant warm or at room temperature alongside your hummus. The combination offers a nice mix of textures and Mediterranean flavors.
For extra taste, drizzle the eggplant with tahini sauce or sprinkle with za’atar spice blend before serving. This creates a cohesive flavor profile with the hummus.
8. Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade pairs wonderfully with hummus. This savory spread adds a briny, salty kick to your appetizer spread.
Serve tapenade alongside hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired duo. Spread both on crusty baguette slices or pita chips for a tasty bite.
You can also swirl tapenade into your hummus for a flavor boost. This combo works great as a dip for fresh veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips.
For an elevated cheese board, add small bowls of hummus and olive tapenade. They complement cheeses like feta and goat cheese nicely.
9. Falafel Balls
Falafel balls make a tasty partner for hummus. These crispy, golden spheres of ground chickpeas or fava beans pack a flavorful punch.
You can dip falafel directly into hummus for a satisfying bite. Or crumble them over the top of your hummus bowl for added texture and protein.
Try stuffing falafel balls into a pita pocket with hummus. Add some fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers for a complete meal.
For a lighter option, place falafel on a salad with a dollop of hummus as the dressing. This combo gives you a filling, nutritious lunch or dinner.
10. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower makes a great side dish to eat with hummus. Its nutty flavor and crispy texture complement the creamy hummus perfectly.
To make roasted cauliflower, cut a head of cauliflower into florets. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
You can sprinkle some spices like cumin or paprika on the cauliflower before roasting for extra flavor. The warm, crispy florets are delicious dipped in cool, smooth hummus.
This pairing offers a nice mix of textures and a balance of healthy vegetables and protein-rich legumes. It’s a tasty and nutritious snack or light meal option.
11. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a great side dish for hummus. This protein-packed grain has a light, nutty flavor that goes well with the creamy dip.
You can make a simple quinoa salad by mixing cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add some fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
A splash of lemon juice and olive oil can brighten up the salad. You can also add some feta cheese or chickpeas for more texture and taste.
Serve your quinoa salad cold or at room temperature alongside your hummus. The combination offers a mix of textures and flavors that you’ll enjoy.
12. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh makes a great side dish for hummus. This fresh herb salad adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Tabbouleh contains parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing gives it a zesty taste.
The crunch of the vegetables in tabbouleh contrasts nicely with creamy hummus. You can scoop up both with warm pita bread for a satisfying bite.
Tabbouleh’s light, refreshing nature balances the richness of hummus. Together, they create a well-rounded and nutritious combination.
Health Benefits of Hummus
Hummus offers many health benefits due to its nutrient-rich ingredients. It provides protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that support your body in various ways.
Nutritional Profile
Hummus contains chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. These ingredients make it high in plant-based protein and fiber.
A 1/4 cup serving of hummus has about 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. It’s also rich in healthy fats from olive oil and tahini.
Hummus provides vitamins and minerals like:
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6
This nutrient mix makes hummus good for your heart, muscles, and bones. The protein helps build and repair tissues. Fiber keeps you full and aids digestion.
Digestive Health Benefits
The fiber in hummus supports a healthy gut. It feeds good bacteria in your digestive system. This can improve digestion and reduce bloating.
Chickpeas contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps control blood sugar and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and prevents constipation.
Hummus may also help with:
- Regular bowel movements
- Reduced risk of colon cancer
- Better absorption of nutrients
The olive oil in hummus has anti-inflammatory effects. This can soothe digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
Pairing Tips for Hummus
Choosing the right side dishes for hummus can make your snacking experience more enjoyable. Try these tips to create tasty combinations.
Flavor Combinations
Mix and match flavors to make your hummus shine.
Pair plain hummus with spicy foods like jalapenos or sriracha sauce. The cool hummus balances the heat nicely.
For garlic hummus, try sweet veggies like bell peppers or carrots. The sweetness cuts through the strong garlic taste.
Lemon hummus goes well with salty snacks like pretzels or pita chips. The tangy lemon flavor pops against the salty crunch.
Red pepper hummus pairs nicely with cool cucumber slices or celery sticks. The fresh veggie taste complements the roasted pepper flavor.
Texture Considerations
Think about how textures work together when picking hummus sides. Smooth hummus needs crunchy partners.
Try crisp veggie sticks, crackers, or toasted pita triangles. The contrast makes each bite more fun.
For a softer texture, serve hummus with warm, fluffy pita bread or naan. The bread soaks up the hummus for a comforting bite.
If you want something in between, try grilled vegetables. They keep some crunch but are softer than raw veggies.
Mix up your dippers to keep things interesting. Use a mix of veggies, breads, and crackers on your snack tray.
This gives you lots of texture options to enjoy with your hummus.