Easy basil hummus is a healthy and crowd-pleasing dip! It comes together in less than ten minutes with just the help of a food processor. This appetizer (or snack) is filled with protein and fiber for a delicious and resolution-friendly recipe.
Did you hear that groan this morning? That was me, while dragging my booty out of bed to go back to work after a truly glorious eleven day break. Woooooof. We drove up to spend Christmas through New Year's with Brian's family and soaked in as much great food, company, and time spent not staring into a computer screen as we could. We're talking one day of not even changing out of pajamas and focusing all of my efforts on sipping coffee and working through a jigsaw puzzle. Lux-ur-ious!
Now though the new year has arrived, and the self-justification excuse of enjoying an extra cookie or skipping a workout in lieu of lounging on the couch because 'I'll jumpstart all that healthy stuff in January' is officially null and void.
So, I'm switching out my afternoon snack of Christmas cookies for healthier options like this basil hummus. And with how easy and delicious this hummus is, I'm not mad about it! Not one bit.
In a pinch I do buy hummus at the store, but homemade hummus is one of my favorite things to make at home. It's nearly instant gratification - blend all ingredients, grab veggies or pita chips (or a spoon...), and dig in. This version features a burst of fresh basil flavor, which is one of my hands-down favorite herbs to use.
This hummus (like pretty much all hummus) is versatile. With one batch I've reserved a few servings for snacks at work, I've added a scoop to salads, and even used it as a healthier, creamy spread on sandwiches or wraps. Basil hummus on everything please!
Easy Basil Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and liquid reserved
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika is fine too)
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, packed
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the chickpea liquid and the basil to a food processor and process until mixture is relatively smooth.
- Slowly add in a drizzle of chickpea liquid a little at a time to help the hummus become creamier. Add enough so that hummus reaches your desired consistency.
- Add in basil and process until basil is in small pieces and evenly mixed in.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition DisclaimerWhile I wouldn't pair these with basil hummus, these homemade cinnamon sugar pita chips are another favorite! I usually use whole wheat pitas for a healthier twist on a sweet snack.
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Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Glad you had a great Christmas break! I was off my computer for the whole week! It was amazing. Loved the time with family. But now it's time to be back in the grind. I secretly like having a routine, haha! This hummus look so yummy. I bet the fresh basil gives it a great flavor. Yum!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Hello Alyssa!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
I know exactly how you felt on the fourth. I think we ALL dragged ourselves out of bed in that manner on that day. Now it's Friday (yay!) but I'm exhausted. I think next year I'll try to engineer a 4-day week that first week back!
Hummus is the perfect first recipe for January. Not too much effort but nice and healthy (and tasty, too!) 🙂
Alyssa says
Same to you Helen! I hear you...this week is still slow-going! Taking an extra day sounds like a great plan next year. I'm all for healthy recipes that are quick and easy! 🙂
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
Hahaha, I made hummus this week for exactly that reason - to stop with the afternoon cookies that are totally okay in December but really need to stop now! 🙂 This version looks fantastic! Glad you had a nice break!
Alyssa says
Thanks Stacey! Hope you had a wonderful holiday, too!
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
Oh hummus, how I love you! I love when I have a few minutes to make it myself at home - and I LOVE that you used smoked paprika in this - my favorite!
And I feel you - this week has been rough with getting back to normal!
Alyssa says
I put smoked paprika in everything! So so good! Hope you had a great holiday Ashley!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Okay, I REALLY need to get a food processor! I'm constantly drooling over everyone's homemade hummus recipes and have no way to make them. This version with basil is perfect! Off to Amazon... 😀
Alyssa says
Haha I don't know what I'd do without a food processor! I use it so much it barely ever goes back in the cabinet. Thanks Rachel!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Me and hummus just cannot stay away from each other so this gorgeous basil hummus is right up my alley! Is it weird that I kinda just want to grab a spoon and go to town?? 😉
Alyssa says
Not at alllll Sarah! 😉
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
It's definitely back to the grind this week after the holidays, but at least it's Friday! This basil hummus sounds amazing, Alyssa! I have absolutely no self control when it comes to hummus. I usually end up devouring the entire batch, which is what I want to do now...looks SO good!
Alyssa says
I have self-control issues too when it comes to hummus. I think my scoops get bigger and bigger with each bite. 🙂
Kelly says
So glad you had a nice holiday 🙂 The first week back is always the roughest, totally wishing we could drag our feet too. This hummus looks perfect for getting back on a healthy track! I can make a meal out of this, love that you added basil!
Alyssa says
Thanks Kelly! I could most definitely make a meal out of this too!
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
I totally agree. Going back to work was not something I wanted to do.
But can you believe I have never made homemade hummus before?? I know, CRAZY! It is definitely on my to-do list this year!
Alyssa says
Oh it's so good Cathleen! I bet you'd love it. So many different flavor combos to make, too!
Annie says
I am such a sucker for appetizers, especially hummus! I really love the idea of basil hummus I can't wait to try!
Alyssa says
Thanks Annie! I could definitely make a whole meal out of appetizers...frequently!
Danielle says
It's so hard to get back to work after a long break, I feel the exact same way right about now. But this hummus could definitely help me get through it! This looks so creamy and delicious!
Alyssa says
Thanks Danielle! Oh it was rough. Lots of extra coffee happened around here! And hummus. 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Ugh, going back to work after a break is just brutal. Hope you survived!! This hummus looks amazing... I love making my own. I'll have to try a basil flavor-- yum!
Alyssa says
Haha I did make it through...albeit with more caffeine than normal. Thanks Jess!
marcie says
Happy New Year, Alyssa! I hear you on the groan -- it wasn't easy getting up early and getting back to the grind today exercise-wise and otherwise! I'm really glad to be back to a routine, and eating healthy is the best part. I'm a huge hummus fan, and fresh basil sounds like a delicious addition!
Alyssa says
Same to you Marcie! Ugh I agree - I've been slow-going this week. Eating healthier is definitely welcome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! The one thing I never ever waste money on is store-bought hummus! The prices for my favorite brands are just crazy and so making my own in mass batches is so much more realistic!
Alyssa says
Yes some are so pricey! Definitely a fan of making my own. Thanks Rebecca!
Sues says
I love making my own hummus and the basil flavor sounds fab! Happy 2016 and welcome back to work 🙁 I can't believe we have to do 5 days this week!!
Alyssa says
Haha same to you Sues! Five days just seems like torture. 😐