Healthy Hummus Recipes
Often times I get asked a lot about healthy snacks to eat which are just a little different from the boring traditional veggies, fruit or even protein smoothies. Hummus is definitely one of my favorite recommendations because you can mix it up with so many different herbs and even spices and it definitely packs a lot of nutrients so you’re not eating just empty calories.
On that note, before we get to my lip-smacking hummus recipes, let’s take a look at what makes hummus so healthy…
The Health Benefits of Hummus
The base ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. Chickpeas are a type of legume, and they’re especially high in protein and fiber. These 2 ingredients, protein and fiber, offer fantastic support on a healthy diet. Whether your goal is to build muscle or lose weight, protein and fiber can help you get there faster.
Protein is best known for its ability to support lean muscle mass, but it’s also very effective in keeping you feeling full and boosting your metabolism. This makes it useful for burning fat and losing weight as well. The fiber has a similar effect on your metabolism, and actually expands when it reaches your stomach, so it’s a great way to curb your appetite.
But hummus comes with even more benefits than building lean muscle and burning fat. Olive oil is another common ingredient that can help you burn fat and keep your skin looking healthy. Fresh garlic offers excellent immune support as well, making this one powerfully healthy snack.
Today I’m serving up 5 delicious hummus recipes. You can go with the traditional hummus recipe by combining chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and fresh garlic, or you can spice it up a bit.
Try one of these low-fat, high-protein, and high-fiber hummus recipes today…
5 of the Best Hummus Recipes for a Healthy Diet
For all of these recipes, simply blend the ingredients together using a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a Magic Bullet or similar device.
1. Creamy Greek Yogurt Hummus
This recipe offers a great twist on the traditional hummus, and the addition of Greek yogurt will add a serious protein boost.
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- ½ cup of low-fat or fat free plain Greek yogurt
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
2. Artichoke & Black Olive Hummus
This is one of my favorites. The flavor in this one is totally satisfying, and seems like an entire meal when served with pita bread or whole grain crackers.
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of artichoke hearts
- 1/3 cup of pitted black olives (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
3. Chipotle Hummus
Great for parties, try serving this one with some tortilla chips and a little sour cream or guacamole on the side.
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- 1 tablespoon of canned chipotle chillies, diced
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro leaves
- Squeeze of lime juice
- Salt to taste
4. Bright Beet Hummus
Beets are another extremely healthy food, full of iron and fiber. Added to hummus, they can really flavor things up in a serious way.
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1/2 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ pound of beets, cleaned, cooked, and peeled (about 2 medium beets)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
5. Lemon-Ginger Hummus
Ginger is one of the best health foods out there. Affordable and versatile, ginger supports a healthy immune system and gives you metabolism a major boost. And the same can be said for lemon.
Combine the following ingredients in a food processor:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of tahini
- 2 lemons juiced and zested (add both juice and zest to food processor)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- Salt to taste
For more great snack ideas, try my Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss or my Healthy Snacks for Lean Muscle Building.
Have any questions or feedback about these 5 Super Delicious Healthy Hummus Recipes? Please leave a comment below…