When it comes to easy entertaining, hummus is top of the snack-food chain (#ClichedForAReason).
Whether you make your own or buy from the store, it’s convenient, budget-friendly, and versatile.
That said, it’s easy to get in a rut of the same old humus-and-baby carrots.
Try this tip from DietitianE.A.
Stewart ofThe Spicy RD.
“Take plain hummus and top it with EVOO, smoked paprika, and LOTS of pine nuts.”
Christy Brissette of80 Twenty Nutritionis all about za’atar in her hummus.
I recommend starting with a quarter teaspoon of each spice per cup of hummus and increasing as desired.
Serve it with toasted tortillas and you have a unique (and anti-inflammatory!)
appetizer to spice up your next dinner!"
Enjoy it as a dip, spread on toast, or tossed into salad.
Add color and texture
A little pop of color does a lot to enhance your hummus experience.
It gives the hummus a fun color and adds extra nutrients."
Dietitian Whitney English ofTo Live and Diet in L.A.also loves sun-dried tomato for adding a pop.
“They give it a beautiful color and delicious flavor!”
DietitianKara Golis ofByte Sized Nutritionuses spices that do double-duty as color upgrades.
No one can tell it’s not made from scratch!"
“I love to add olive tapenade and pine nuts to my hummus!
It’s great with vegetables and whole wheat pita.”
Alicia Slusarek, a registered dietitian nutritionist from Northeast Wisconsin is also a fan of this flavorful garnish.
Feta cheese crumbles are an optional, but delicious addition to this variation.
For a fun color twist, try purple sweet potato.
Unicorn hummus, anyone?
Need some spice with your sweet?
Dietitian Katie Morford, author ofMom’s Kitchen Handbook, has agreat-go to recipe.
Canned pumpkin
One of my personal favorite hummus upgrades is canned pumpkin.
It’s a great option if you’re looking to lighten things up without skimping on nutrition.
Avocado
Creamy avocado is a no-brainer pairing with hummus.
It provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats along with filling fiber.
Just be sure to use ripe avocado for easy blending.
If you have time to make your own hummus, she recommends peeling the chickpeas for an extra-smooth texture.
In a pinch, store-bought guacamole could work too.
Mix with a spoon and call it your special secret recipe.
DietitianMaria Adams ofHalsa Nutritionis also a fan of this crispy add-in.
Enjoy this as a snack or appetizer.
Roast until very tender.
Puree and then fold into hummus for a vitamin A boost."
yo tell me I’m not the only one who has this problem!
Sauteed Brussels sprouts
Roasted veggies aren’t the only vegetable game in town.
Toronto dietitian Abbey Sharp, blogger atAbbey’s Kitchenfinds sauteed veggies equally as delicious.
Her magic hummus combo is to “saute Brussels sprout leaves in olive oil and lemon.
Finish with some toasted pecans and enjoy!”
Dietitian Basheerah Enahora, Owner ofNutritionBE, has the perfect easy recipe.
“I use store-bought hummus to make a quick tuna salad.
Make a pretty plate
Presentation is everything.
Add garnishes on top and slice up some fresh veggies.
It also makes a delicious afternoon snack if you oughta add a little festivity to your day.
The hummus is an excellent coating for baked chicken as well.
Registered Dietitian Lauren Sharifi ofBite of Health Nutritionuses hummus as an ingredient in Mediterranean-style appetizers.
Or you could put hummus in your tacos!
Dietitian Sharon Palmer shows you how inthis delish vegan recipe.
Be creative
Don’t be afraid to try new stuff.
Hummus is one of those foods that’s so versatile, you might pair it with almost anything.
Don’t be afraid to get weird!
