Easy Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (Authentic Style)

This Easy Mediterranean Hummus Recipe is the perfect creamy hummus to serve at any party or gathering. Making your own hummus is super easy and is a great way to meal prep for the week. I love to serve this Mediterranean hummus topped with fresh herbs, chopped kalamata olives, green olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

This is the best hummus recipe because it is so easy! For the best results (and the creamiest hummus) I like to elevate pantry staples like chickpeas with the best tahini I can find, a drizzle of olive oil (extra virgin olive oil), and fresh lemon juice!

I also added a little bit of water, which I think makes a huge difference! Hummus is a great food to keep on hand because you can enjoy it in so many different ways. I love fluffy hummus with a creamy texture. 

If you are a fan of Mediterranean recipes, try my shrimp couscous, shrimp orzo or whipped eggplant dip!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s more affordable than store-bought hummus. Hummus can be very expensive. Why not make your own from some basic ingredients? 
  • It’s versatile. This hummus can be used in so many different ways! Serve it up as a spread on a veggie sandwich, as a tasty dip with pita chips, or a topping for a salad bowl or grain bowl. No matter how you serve this traditional hummus recipe, it’sbthe perfect snack full of simple ingredients. 

Ingredients

Ingredients for mediterranean hummus.

  • Chickpeas – Chickpeas are the star of hummus, providing a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that’s essential to the dip. When purchasing canned chickpeas, look for a brand with minimal added salt or preservatives. Always rinse and drain them well before use to remove excess sodium. 
  • Tahini – Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, adds a rich, nutty flavor to the hummus and helps create its smooth texture. Look for high-quality tahini with a runny consistency and no added ingredients other than sesame seeds. Stir well before using, as it tends to separate!
  • Water – The surprise ingredient, ice cold water helps the hummus get the smooth, creamy texture we love. I keep mine in the fridge until the moment I’m about to use it! 
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavor of the hummus, contributing to its smooth texture. Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as its flavor will significantly impact the Mediterranean hummus dip.  Reserve a little extra for drizzling on top before serving.
  • Ground Cumin – I love cumin in my hummus! Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the nuttiness of the chickpeas and tahini. Store ground cumin in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain its potency.
  • Salt – Salt enhances all the flavors in the hummus, balancing the nuttiness and acidity. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste after blending. Kosher or sea salt is preferred for its clean taste.
  • Garlic – Garlic provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that is classic in hummus! Use fresh garlic cloves and crush them rather than chopping to release more flavor. If you find raw garlic too harsh, try roasting the cloves before adding them for a milder, sweeter flavor.
  • Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts the richness from the tahini and olive oil. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Roll the lemon on the countertop before juicing to release more juice. This way, you’ll get more juice out of it!

Substitutions and Additions

  • White Beans for Chickpeas – If you want to try a different base, substitute chickpeas with white beans (such as cannellini beans). White beans provide a similar creamy texture but with a slightly different flavor profile. White beans are slightly milder in flavor, so you might want to increase the garlic or cumin to maintain the hummus’s robust taste.
  • Sunflower Butter for Tahini – If you’re out of tahini or prefer a nut-free alternative, try using sunflower seed butter. It offers a similar creamy consistency and nutty flavor. Look for unsweetened and unsalted sunflower seed butter to keep the flavorsimilar to traditional tahini. Important to note: peanut butter will not work for this! 
  • Roasted Red Peppers – Adding roasted red peppers can give your hummus a sweet, smoky flavor and a fun, vibrant color! Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience, and drain them well before adding to the food processor. Start with one pepper and adjust to taste.
  • Fresh Herbs – Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness! Add a small handful of chopped herbs to the food processor during the final blending stage. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful green speckled look to your hummus.

Step by Step Instructions

Ingredients to make hummus in a food processor bowl.

Blend Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and crushed garlic.

Making mediterranean hummus in a bowl of a food processor - ground up chickpeas and tahini.

Puree until smooth.

Making mediterranean hummus in a bowl of a food processor - chickpeas.

Add Chickpeas: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor. Puree until smooth and well combined.

Making mediterranean hummus in a bowl of a food processor - ground up chickpeas.

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

Creamy mediterranean hummus in the bowl of a food processor.

Add Cold water: โ€‹With the motor running, slowly pour int he cold water. You’ll notice that the hummus becomes even more smooth and creamy! 

Taste and Adjust: Before transferring to a serving bowl or an airtight container (if storing for later), taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add extra salt or lemon juice to taste.

Serve: Serve immediately, topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips and Notes

  • Use Ice-Cold Water – Adding ice-cold water while blending the hummus helps achieve a super creamy consistency. The cold water emulsifies with the tahini and olive oil, creating a silky finish
  • Experiment with Add-ins –  Donโ€™t be afraid to get creative with your hummus by adding different flavors and ingredients. Try blending in roasted beets for a vibrant pink hue and earthy flavor, or mix in some avocado for a creamy, green twist. While you’re at it, try adding some fresh pesto to make a pesto hummus! I have a few different pesto recipes you can use such as traditional pesto alla genovese with pine nuts, pistachio pesto, walnut pesto, or nut-free pesto!

Mediterranean hummus topped with feta, olives, and crunchy pita chips.

Serving Suggestions

  • Wine Pairing – Okay, so there are lots of good wines to pair with hummus! My top choices are classic Sauvignon Blanc, a Greek white wine called AssyrtikoChenin Blanc, or Rosรฉ
  • Classic Veggie Platter – Serve your Mediterranean hummus with a colorful array of fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, and radishes.
  • Warm Pita Bread – Warm up some pita bread or pita chips for dipping. Cut the pita into triangles and lightly toast them in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar or sea salt for extra flavor.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter – Create a mezze platter with a variety of Mediterranean specialties such as stuffed olives, feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel!  Add a few lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of freshness. And don’t forget the whipped eggplant dip!
  • Hummus Toast –  Spread hummus on whole grain toast and top with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Salad Topper – Use hummus as a creamy dressing for salads. Simply drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice on top.
  • Grilled Meat or Fish – Serve hummus alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish as a flavorful sauce. 
  • Hummus Bowl – Create a hearty hummus bowl by layering it with quinoa or couscous, fresh veggies, and grilled chicken or falafel.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigeration –  Store in the fridge for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Freezing – You can freeze your mediteranean hummus for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, portioning if desired. Lay bags flat to save space.
  • Thawing –  You can thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or thaw for a few hours on the countertop, then use immediately.
  • Serving –  Add lemon juice, olive oil, or fresh herbs before serving to freshen up the hummus!

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

Mediterranean hummus topped with feta, olives, and crunchy pita chips.

Easy Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (Authentic Style)

Allie Hagerty
Make your own creamy and flavorful Mediterranean hummus with this easy recipe. Perfect for parties or meal prep, serve with veggies or as a base for a delicious hummus bowl. This recipe makes about 2 cups!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 16 servings
Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

  • food processor
  • cutting board
  • chef’s knife
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • can opener

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • โ…“ cup tahini liquid-y tahini is best
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus extra to top with
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ยพ teaspoon salt
  • 4 medium cloves garlic* crushed, not chopped
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor, combine tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and crushed garlic. Puree until smooth.
  • Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor. Puree 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 int he cold water. You'll notice that the hummus becomes even more smooth and creamy!
  • Before transferring to a serving bowl or an airtight container (if storing for later), taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add extra salt or lemon juice to taste.
  • Serve immediately, topped with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

Use Ice-Cold Water – Adding ice-cold water while blending the hummus helps achieve a super creamy consistency. The cold water emulsifies with the tahini and olive oil, creating a silky finish

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 113mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This hummus is so creamy. I canโ€™t believe what the cold water did to it – itโ€™s so smooth!

5 from 1 vote

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