By Anisha Mistry

Can you believe there’s actually an International Hummus Day? It’s on May 13th, just FYI. But you know what? Every day should be a day to celebrate hummus! It’s rich, creamy, high in protein and can be served so many ways – as an appetiser with pita chips, crisps or crudites; as a sandwich spread; smeared all over a jacket potato, as a sauce for pasta, in a Buddha Bowl, or even as a main course – just top it with olives, chopped tomatoes, cashews and whatever else you fancy, and served with hot Arabic bread to dip.

Basically, hummus is a kitchen essential; you should always have some on hand.

But let’s face it: not everyone is a fan of the chickpea, and even those who are can tire of the usual dip, so I’ve found some alternative hummus recipes that include everything from potatoes and zucchini to the usual garbonzos, but with a tasty twist.

No matter what the ingredients, whipping the mixture up smoothly is key to creating a smooth and flawless dish. You’ll need either a food processor like a Vitamix or my favourite – a basic hand blender – to make these alternative hummus recipes.

Although hummus is usually packed with calories thanks to its high tahini (sesame paste, for those wondering) and olive oil content, there’s such a wide variety of alternative hummus recipes here, you can really pick and choose.

From the super calorific (like the boiled peanut dish), or the skinny versions (like the raw zucchini one), there’s something for everyone, no matter what their taste. There are even dessert hummus dishes here! For traditionalists, of course I’ve added a classic hummus recipe or two in here as well.

Hope you find a hummus you love!

20+ Alternative Hummus Recipes

1. Herby Avocado Hummus

This recipe is creamy and a delicious change from a classic hummus recipe. The avocado flavour shines through and compliments the nuttiness of the tahini.

See the full recipe here.

2. Sweet Potato Hummus

A smooth sweet potato hummus, it’s brilliantly orange and bursting with flavour. It can be devoured with everything from toasted pita wedges, bite-sized vegetables pieces and quesadillas.

See the full recipe here.

3. Caramelised Onion Hummus

This one’s flavours are sure to tingle your taste buds! A touch of balsamic vinegar and caramelised onion gives a slight sweetness, to this savoury dip.

Get the recipe here.

4. Butternut Squash Hummus

This recipe is certainly a winner, and one which you will keep coming back to, thanks to the smokiness contrasted by the sweetness of the butternut squash. This is a smooth, garlicky, savoury recipe that’s perfect for autumn.  

See the full recipe here.

5. Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

Who’s in need of a lower calorie hummus recipe? This dish is seriously delicious, with the subtle sweetness of roasted cauliflower, given potency with lemon, garlic and tahini – it turns out cauliflower can be incredibly tasty!

See the full recipe here.

6. Zucchini Hummus

Finally! A much lighter take on hummus. With mild flavour from the charred zucchini and an extra kick of garlic, this works as a great appetiser. If you want this to be an even lower cal treat, just reduce the amount of olive oil.  

See the full recipe here.

7. Red Lentil & Roasted Carrot Hummus

Using red lentils instead of chickpeas is a great twist on a classic hummus, but it still maintains all the great vegan proteins, and creamy, nutty flavours. There’s a tiny touch of sweetness and a big vitamin punch thanks to the roasted carrots, too!

See the full recipe here.

8. Black Bean Hummus

This dip is the perfect snack, with a comforting depth of flavour from both the black beans and garlic. You could say this is kind of a Mexican hummus – so of course, organic corn tortilla chips are the perfect dipping companion!

See the full recipe here.

9. Roasted Red Pepper & Mung Bean Dip

If you’re in the mood for a sweet and tangy hummus, then this is it! The red pepper is blended with subtle spices to give this dish a smoky-sweet flavour.

See the full recipe here.

10. Butter Bean (or Lima Bean) Hummus

Newsflash – the Lima bean is back! Also known as the butter bean, just FYI. And it makes this hummus spread oh-so-creamy, it’s even a perfect substitute for butter or margarine on bread.

See the full recipe here.

11. Best Ever Basic Hummus

Jamie Oliver’s roots may be far from Middle Eastern, but he nails this hummus recipe perfectly. All the classic ingredients – lemon, tahini, olive oil, chickpeas – are here. Simple, and beautiful.

Get it here.

12. Roasted Carrot Hummus

Roasted carrots are always a winner, and when they’re blended to create a smooth hummus, they just get even better. The pomegranate seeds on top make the dish really beautiful and add a superfood nutritional kick, too.

See the full recipe here.

13. Raw Zucchini Hummus

Raw food is anything but dull – especially when you find a recipe like this! Simple and fast to make, too, since the zucchini needs no cooking.  

See the full recipe here.

14. Boiled Peanut Hummus

Boiled peanuts as hummus? Why not? It’s pretty calorific, but also pretty delicious! Just have some crusty bread at the ready, and you’ve got a filling, protein rich meal.

See the full recipe here.

15. Jalepeño Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

This dish is sooo beautiful!! Just look at how rich it is! It’s spicy and tangy, thanks to the jalepeños and infusion of lime and cilantro. It works perfectly as a dish to share with friends – just add a variety of toasted bread for dipping.

See the full recipe here.

16. Edamame Hummus

Edamame hummus is naturally gluten-free and vegan, made from healthy whole foods packed with nutrients! It’s a fun spin on normal hummus with a lovely light green colour, buttery texture, and fresh tasting flavour.

See the full recipe here.

17. Carrot Tahini Dip

Can ‘luxurious’ describe a hummus? If so, this is it! Just look at those vibrant, opulent colours and creamy consistency.

See the full recipe here.

18. White Bean Hummus

Cannellini (a.k.a. white) beans are blended here with loads of garlic to make this kind of Italian-ish version of hummus. So why not serve with baked pizza dough to dip?

See the full recipe here.

19. The Ultimate Hummus

This recipe has a creamy, flavourful hummus, of course, but it also includes everything on the plate – there’s a bit of parsley salad and roasted cauliflower to make this a complete meal, too (of course, vegans can just skip the poached egg).

Get the recipe here.

 20. Chickpea Shawarma Dip

Baked chickpeas, a parsley-tomato salad, and a 4-ingredient garlic dill sauce sit atop this pile of yumminess from the Minimalist Baker, which only takes 30 short minutes to make, tops! Serve with some crusty bread or toasted pita, and you have yourself a gorgeous, hearty meal.

Get the recipe here.

21. Thai Coconut Curry Hummus

This is a sweeter – yet still savoury – hummus, infused with Asian flavours cilantro and red curry paste. Goes really well with prawn crackers.

Get the recipe here.

22. No Tahini Hummus

Surprisingly, many people are actually allergic to sesame seeds. I guess it’s like a nut allergy? In any case, it’s great to have a nut-and-seed-free hummus recipe on hand, and this one provides just that! It’s still smooth and creamy though, thanks to all that healthy olive oil!

Get the recipe here.

23. Chocolate Brownie Batter Hummus

Alternative hummus recipes can indeed include sweet versions. And why not? This chocolate brownie batter hummus is delicious! It looks decadent, but it actually cuts out the sugar by using a combo of raw cacao powder and coconut milk. Why not dip in some vegan animal crackers, or better yet, fruit slices?

Get the recipe here.

24. Banana Bread Hummus

Sweet, rich and nutty, this is the perfect dip for graham crackers, ginger snaps, chocolate chunks, you name it! Who would have thought that chickpeas and bananas could be in such a tasty partnership!

Get the recipe here.

25. Pumpkin Pie Hummus

Let’s face it: pumpkin pie is already filled with what’s basically a kind of hummus-y filling, right? It’s rich, it’s creamy and moreish – just like this pumpkin-garbanzo based dip. Pair this cinnamon-spicy hummus with fresh apple slices or cinnamon toasts. Yum!

Get the recipe here.

Main image recipe found here.