Easy Basil Pesto Hummus Recipe (Homemade Creamy Dip)

I love a good dip recipe – this Pesto Hummus is the best one out there! Two of my favorites to make are traditional Mediterranean hummus and fresh basil pesto. So, I decided to put the together to make a creamy Pesto Hummus! Serve this dynamite dip with pita bread or pita chips, just as you would a traditional hummus. Everything comes together in the bowl of a food processor and you can use homemade basil pesto or your favorite store-bought option! Trust me, this easy pesto hummus will be a huge hit with your friend, family, and guests! 

When you can’t decide between making pesto dip or traditional hummus.. my basil pesto hummus recipe saves the day! You can make this recipe with many different pesto recipes. I have a few you could try, such as pesto carbonara, feta pesto, spinach pesto, walnut pesto, pistachio pesto, pesto alla Genovese (with pine nuts), lemon pesto, and nut-free pesto.

You can find some delicious pre-made hummus at one of your local grocery stores, but I love my Mediterranean hummus recipe. I love combining my lemon pesto with this recipe because the lemon juice makes it taste extra bright and flavorful! This is the perfect snack and is an easy way to enjoy fresh veggies! I promise this will become one of your favorite hummus recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s herby and delicious! Combining the creamy richness of traditional hummus with the fresh, herbaceous punch of homemade pesto creates the perfect combination!
• It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser! Perfect for gatherings or solo snacking, this hummus can be enjoyed as a dip with veggies and pita, spread on sandwiches or wraps, or used as a flavorful addition to salads and bowls.
• It’s simple yet impressive!  Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and a food processor, this recipe showcases how simple tweaks like adding pesto can elevate a classic dish into something special, impressing both guests and family alike.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas – These legumes (also called garbanzo beans) form the base of hummus and give it a creamy texture and nutty flavor. To make the smoothest hummus, make sure your chickpeas are rinsed well and drained before blending. Opt for a can of chickpeas for convenience, or cook dried chickpeas for a homemade touch.
• Tahini – Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, adds richness to hummus. It’s a traditional ingredient for homemade hummus. Choose a high-quality tahini for the best flavor—look for brands with a smooth consistency and a nutty aroma. Stir well before using and store it in the refrigerator after opening to maintain freshness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This oil not only enhances the flavor of hummus but also contributes to its creamy texture. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and blending—it should have a fruity and slightly peppery taste. Look for cold-pressed oils in dark bottles to preserve freshness.
• Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—peel and crush it with the side of your knife before adding to the food processor. Adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors of hummus and helps balance its richness. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste—adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of tanginess. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Ground Cumin – Cumin adds warmth and earthiness to hummus, complementing its other flavors. 
• Salt – Use a fine sea salt or kosher salt for even distribution—add gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect seasoning. Remember, you can always add more salt if needed, but you can’t take it away once added.
• Homemade Pesto – Delicious homemade pesto contributes an herbaceous flavor to traditional hummus. Make your pesto from scratch for the freshest taste, adjusting ingredients to suit your preferences—blend until just combined for a textured addition to your hummus. I love to make peto from my fresh basil leaves I grow i my garden! A basil plant yields so much basil, at a fraction of the cost of a little packet at the store! 

Substitutions and Additions

• Nut-Free Option for Tahini – If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter (sun butter). It offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor without the risk of allergies. Ensure it’s well stirred before using. Sunflower seeds are a great nut alternative! 
• Roasted Garlic – For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw garlic cloves. Roasted garlic adds a caramelized flavor to the hummus. Simply roast whole garlic bulbs until soft and golden, then squeeze out the cloves before adding them to the food processor.
• Fresh Herbs – Incorporate additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to complement the basil in your pesto. Adding a handful of fresh herbs will brighten the flavors of your own hummus!
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds can be added for a nuttier flavor and crunchy texture. Sprinkle them on top of your hummus as a garnish or blend them into the hummus.

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Hummus Base: In a food processor, combine tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and crushed garlic.

Pulse until smooth.

Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor.

Pulse until smooth and well combined. If the hummus clumps, stop the processor and use a silicone spatula to mix, then continue to pulse until smooth.

With the motor running, slowly pour in the cold water. You’ll notice that the hummus becomes even more smooth and creamy!

Incorporate Pesto: Add 1/2 cup of homemade pesto to the hummus mixture. Pulse gently in the food processor until the pesto is evenly distributed but not fully blended, leaving swirls of pesto throughout the hummus.

Tips and Notes

• Blend Gradually – When blending your hummus, especially after adding chickpeas or pesto, start on a low speed and gradually increase. This helps achieve a smooth texture without overworking the food processor.
• Taste and Adjust – Hummus is all about balance. Taste your hummus before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice for acidity, salt for seasoning, or pesto for a stronger herbaceous flavor.
• Consistency Control – Adjust the consistency of your hummus by adding more water, olive oil, or even a bit of reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba). This ensures your hummus is creamy and spreadable.
• Chill for Flavor – For the best flavor, allow your hummus to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

• Vegetable Platter – Serve a batch of basil pesto hummus with a colorful array of fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas. The pesto hummus dip is perfect with crunchy veggies!
• Pita Bread or Chips – Pair this extra creamy hummus with warm, toasted pita bread cut into triangles or pita chips for a satisfying snack or appetizer. Try my garlic crostini for a crunchy addition.
• Sandwich or Wrap Spread – Spread the pesto hummus onto sandwiches or wraps in place of mayo or mustard. It adds a burst of flavor and creamy texture to any sandwich filling, from grilled vegetables to roasted chicken.
• Grain Bowl Addition – Use the hummus as a delicious topping for grain bowls. Spread it over cooked quinoa or brown rice and layer with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, avocado slices, and a drizzle of olive oil for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration – Store your pesto hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5-7 days.
• Olive Oil Seal – Before storing, drizzle a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil over the surface of the hummus. This helps create a barrier that can preserve its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
• Bring to Room Temperature – If the hummus becomes too firm in the refrigerator, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This will help soften it so it is easier to spread.
• Stir Before Serving – Before serving leftovers, stir the hummus to re-incorporate any separated olive oil or moisture that may have settled on the surface.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!