This vibrant green avocado hummus combines creamy chickpeas, ripe avocado, tahini, and fresh lemon juice for a smooth and flavorful dip. Blended until silky, it’s seasoned with garlic, cumin, and fresh herbs for an extra burst of taste. Served alongside a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, it’s a wholesome, colorful snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. Ideal for those seeking a fresh, healthy option with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
The first time I made this vibrant green hummus, my sister stared at the bowl suspiciously. She's a hummus traditionalist, but one dip of a carrot stick had her converted. The avocado transforms the texture into something impossibly creamy while adding that lovely grassy freshness that pairs so beautifully with tahini.
I brought this to a summer potluck last year and watched three different people ask for the recipe. Theres something about that bright green color that pulls people in. The best part was seeing the kids who usually turn their noses up at hummus going back for third helpings.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Rinse them thoroughly and pat dry if you have time, it makes for a smoother final texture
- Ripe avocado: Should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy, this is what creates that gorgeous creamy consistency
- Tahini: The earthy backbone that grounds all the fresh flavors together
- Lemon juice: Fresh is absolutely essential here, bottled just doesnt wake up the avocado the same way
- Garlic: One clove is perfect, any more starts to overpower the delicate avocado notes
- Cumin: Just enough to give it that classic hummus warmth without becoming a spice dip
- Cold water: The secret trick for achieving that perfectly silky restaurant style consistency
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro adds brightness while parsley keeps it more traditional, both work beautifully
- Assorted vegetables: Go for whatever looks freshest at the market, color variety makes the spread irresistible
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Combine chickpeas, avocado, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in your food processor. Pulse a few times to break everything down before letting it run continuously.
- Achieve silkiness:
- Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Perfect the seasoning:
- Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. The avocado needs enough acid to keep it bright.
- Finish beautifully:
- Transfer to your serving bowl and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for that restaurant presentation.
- Set the scene:
- Arrange all those colorful vegetables around the hummus. The contrast of bright veggies against the green dip makes everyone want to dive in immediately.
This has become my goto for unexpected guests because it looks so impressive but comes together so fast. Last week my neighbor dropped by and we ended up standing at the counter polishing off half the bowl while catching up about our gardens.
Making It Ahead
You can prep all the vegetables hours in advance and store them in cold water to keep them crisp. The hummus itself is best made the same day since avocado oxidizes, though pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface buys you an extra 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
While crudités is the classic approach, warm pita bread takes this to another level. Sometimes I toast pita chips with a sprinkle of zaatar until they're golden and crispy. The warm bread against the cool creamy hummus is absolutely heavenly.
Get Creative with Your Dippers
Think beyond the usual vegetable suspects. Endive leaves make elegant boats, snow peas add crunch, and even roasted sweet potato rounds work beautifully. The key is having both crisp vegetables and something with a bit of carbs to balance the rich dip.
- Try jicama slices for a refreshing sweet crunch
- Roasted cauliflower florets add a nutty flavor dimension
- Keep some crackers on hand for anyone who wants something more substantial
Theres something so satisfying about serving food that's both beautiful and genuinely good for you. Watch how quickly this disappears at your next gathering.
Common Questions
- → What ingredients make the hummus creamy?
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The creamy texture comes from combining chickpeas with ripe avocado and tahini, blended smoothly with olive oil and lemon juice.
- → How can I adjust the hummus thickness?
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Add cold water gradually while blending until the desired consistency is reached, making the hummus smoother or thicker as preferred.
- → Which vegetables pair best for serving?
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Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, and radishes complement the hummus perfectly.
- → Can I prepare the hummus in advance?
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Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that avocado may slightly brown over time.
- → What optional seasonings enhance the flavor?
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Sprinkling smoked paprika or chili flakes on top adds a warm, spicy dimension to the mild, creamy hummus.