Pesto hummus is the perfect fusion of creamy hummus, fresh basil pesto, and Mediterranean flavors that instantly elevates any snack or meal. This easy pesto hummus recipe combines chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice with fragrant pesto to create a smooth, herbaceous dip that’s both healthy and incredibly versatile.
If you’re looking for a homemade pesto hummus, a vegan pesto hummus option, or a new hummus variation that works as a dip, spread, or sauce, this guide is for you. Below, you’ll learn exactly what pesto hummus is, how to make it perfectly creamy, and how to customize it for your diet and taste—no guesswork required.
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Pesto Hummus Ingredients
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Start with high-quality ingredients — they’re the key to pesto hummus that tastes fresh, balanced, and creamy.
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Chickpeas form the base: use canned chickpeas for convenience or home-cooked ones for deeper flavor.
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Tahini adds creaminess and a subtle nutty richness that rounds out the hummus.
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Fresh lemon juice brings brightness and keeps the flavors lively.
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Garlic gives the hummus a gentle aromatic kick without overpowering it.
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Fresh basil leaves are essential for that vibrant green color and signature pesto flavor.
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Extra virgin olive oil ties everything together, adding smooth texture and healthy fats to both the hummus and pesto.
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Pine nuts or walnuts provide body and richness; you can adjust or swap them based on taste or dietary needs.
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Parmesan cheese delivers classic umami, while nutritional yeast works perfectly as a vegan alternative.
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Salt and simple seasonings help balance all the flavors.
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A splash of cold water or aquafaba helps you fine-tune the texture, making the pesto hummus perfectly smooth for dipping or spreading.
How to Make Pesto Hummus
Step-by-Step Pesto Hummus Recipe
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Making pesto hummus is simple and beginner-friendly—you only need a food processor or high-powered blender.
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Start by draining and rinsing canned chickpeas, and save a little of the liquid (aquafaba) for later texture adjustments.
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If using dried chickpeas, cook them until very soft (even slightly overcooked) for the creamiest result.
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Removing chickpea skins is optional; modern blenders usually create a smooth texture even with skins on.
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Add chickpeas to the food processor with tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
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Blend until the mixture starts to look creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
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In a separate step, make the pesto by blending fresh basil, nuts, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan or nutritional yeast until mostly smooth.
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Combine the pesto with the hummus base and blend until evenly mixed and vibrant green.
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Taste and adjust seasoning—flavor will deepen as the hummus rests.
How to Blend Pesto Hummus
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Begin by blending chickpeas alone for about one minute to break them down fully.
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Add tahini next and blend again so it emulsifies properly with the chickpeas.
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Slowly drizzle in lemon juice and olive oil while blending, which helps create a smooth, stable texture.
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Blend longer than you think—3 to 5 minutes total creates a lighter, creamier hummus.
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Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides so everything blends evenly.
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Slight warmth from extended blending actually helps soften chickpeas and improve creaminess.
How to Adjust Pesto Hummus Texture
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If the hummus is too thick, add:
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Cold water
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Reserved aquafaba
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Extra olive oil
(Add one tablespoon at a time while blending.)
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Aquafaba works especially well because it loosens the hummus without making it watery.
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For a thicker spread, reduce added liquid or blend in a few extra chickpeas.
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Using ice-cold water or an ice cube can help create a lighter, fluffier texture.
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Different tahini brands vary in thickness, so adjust liquids accordingly.
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If hummus thickens after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature or stir in a little water before serving.
How to Balance Pesto Hummus Flavor
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Chickpeas provide a mild, earthy base that supports—not overpowers—the pesto.
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Lemon juice adds brightness; start small and increase gradually to avoid sharpness.
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Garlic should be noticeable but not overwhelming, especially if the hummus will sit overnight.
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Basil should taste fresh and aromatic; bitterness usually means over-processing or old basil.
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Add salt gradually, especially if using salted chickpeas or prepared pesto.
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Parmesan or nutritional yeast enhances depth and umami.
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If the flavor feels flat, try:
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A little more lemon
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A pinch of ground cumin
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A small drizzle of olive oil
Brightness often improves flavor more than extra salt.
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Pesto Hummus Nutrition
Pesto hummus delivers impressive nutritional value, combining the protein and fiber of traditional hummus with the vitamins and antioxidants found in fresh basil and quality olive oil. A typical serving of approximately ¼ cup provides roughly 120-150 calories, depending on the specific recipe and ingredient proportions used. Chickpeas, the primary ingredient, offer substantial plant-based protein (about 4-5 grams per serving) along with dietary fiber that supports digestive health and promotes feelings of fullness, making pesto hummus an excellent choice for those managing their weight or blood sugar levels. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition, regular chickpea consumption has been associated with improved satiety and reduced snacking between meals. The tahini contributes healthy fats, calcium, and minerals including iron and magnesium, while the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health. Fresh basil brings vitamins K and A, along with antioxidant compounds like flavonoids that research suggests may have anti-inflammatory properties. The nutritional profile does include moderate amounts of fat (7-10 grams per serving), though these are primarily unsaturated fats considered beneficial for health. Sodium content varies significantly based on whether you use canned chickpeas (which often contain added salt) or home-cooked ones, so those monitoring sodium intake can easily adjust this by choosing low-sodium options or cooking dried chickpeas without salt.
How to Serve Pesto Hummus
Pesto hummus's versatility makes it suitable for numerous serving occasions, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining, with presentation options limited only by your creativity. The most traditional approach involves spreading the hummus on a serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a slight well in the center, then drizzling with high-quality olive oil and garnishing with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, or a light dusting of paprika for visual appeal. For a classic Mediterranean mezze platter, surround your pesto hummus with warm pita bread triangles, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and radishes, offering a rainbow of colors and textures that complement the creamy dip. Many restaurants and food bloggers have popularized serving hummus in creative ways: spread thick on a plate and topped with roasted vegetables, crispy chickpeas, or even a soft-poached egg for a complete light meal. As a sandwich or wrap spread, pesto hummus adds moisture and flavor while replacing mayonnaise-based spreads, pairing beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted turkey, or falafel. According to culinary trends documented by the Specialty Food Association, hummus-based bowls have gained popularity, where the hummus serves as a creamy base topped with grains, proteins, and vegetables for a complete bowl meal. For parties, consider serving in individual portions in small cups or shot glasses with vegetable crudités as edible spoons, which makes serving more convenient and appealing for guests.
How to Store Pesto Hummus
Proper storage techniques ensure your pesto hummus maintains its fresh flavor, vibrant color, and safe consumption for maximum enjoyment over several days. Transfer your freshly made pesto hummus to an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing with the lid to minimize air exposure, which can cause oxidation and browning. Refrigerated pesto hummus typically stays fresh for 4-5 days when stored properly in consistently cold temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Some color change is natural over time as the chlorophyll in the basil oxidizes, though this doesn't affect safety or flavor significantly; a quick stir usually redistributes any separated oils and restores visual appeal. Adding a thin layer of olive oil over the hummus surface before refrigerating creates a protective barrier against air and helps preserve the bright green color. According to food safety guidelines from the USDA, hummus should never sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if temperatures exceed 90°F) to prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, pesto hummus freezes reasonably well for up to 3 months; portion it into smaller containers or ice cube trays for easy thawing of just the amount needed. When freezing, leave some headspace in containers as the hummus will expand slightly. Thaw frozen pesto hummus overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature, and stir well before serving as some separation may occur during the freezing and thawing process.
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FAQs About Pesto Hummus
What is pesto hummus made of?
Pesto hummus is made of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil (the traditional hummus base) combined with fresh basil, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, and additional garlic and olive oil (the pesto components). The exact proportions vary by recipe, but typically the mixture is roughly two parts hummus to one part pesto, creating a balanced flavor profile where neither element completely overpowers the other. Some recipes incorporate store-bought pesto for convenience, while others make everything from scratch for maximum freshness and flavor control.
Is pesto hummus healthy?
Yes, pesto hummus is generally considered healthy when consumed in reasonable portions as part of a balanced diet. It provides plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, and various vitamins and minerals including folate, iron, and vitamin K. The combination of chickpeas and tahini offers sustained energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes, making it suitable for many dietary approaches. However, it is calorie-dense due to the oil content, so portion awareness matters for those monitoring calorie intake. The sodium content can be managed by using low-sodium ingredients or cooking dried chickpeas without added salt.
Is pesto hummus vegan?
Pesto hummus can be either vegan or vegetarian depending on the ingredients used. Traditional pesto contains Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan (and technically not even vegetarian as it contains animal rennet), making standard pesto hummus suitable only for vegetarians. However, creating a vegan version is simple by substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese, which provides a similar umami, slightly cheesy flavor while remaining completely plant-based. All other standard ingredients in pesto hummus—chickpeas, tahini, basil, nuts, olive oil, lemon, and garlic—are naturally vegan, so this single substitution creates a completely plant-based version without compromising flavor.
Can you make pesto hummus without tahini?
Yes, you can make pesto hummus without tahini, though the texture and flavor will differ from traditional versions. For those with sesame allergies or who simply don't enjoy tahini's distinctive taste, several substitutes work reasonably well: additional olive oil creates smoothness but lacks tahini's nutty depth, while nut butters like almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter provide similar creaminess with different flavor profiles. Greek yogurt offers tanginess and creaminess for non-vegan versions. Some cooks simply increase the quantity of pine nuts or walnuts already present in the pesto component to compensate for the missing tahini, processing them thoroughly to create body and richness. The key is adding these substitutes gradually while blending, as different ingredients have varying effects on consistency.
What goes well with pesto hummus?
Pesto hummus pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of foods, making it incredibly versatile for different meals and occasions. Classic vegetable dippers include cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, carrots, celery, radishes, and blanched broccoli or cauliflower florets. Bread options range from warm pita triangles and breadsticks to crusty baguette slices, crackers, and even pretzels. For more substantial servings, spread pesto hummus on sandwiches, wraps, or flatbreads alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, falafel, or fresh greens. It complements Mediterranean and Italian dishes particularly well, serving as a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted fish, or pasta salads. Many people enjoy pesto hummus as a flavorful base for grain bowls, topped with quinoa, farro, or rice along with seasonal vegetables and proteins.
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