Hummus is the perfect powerhouse of a dip. With Mediterranean origins, it’s a delicious, savory dip that’s made from chickpeas primarily, with ground sesame seeds, and lemon. There are lots of ways to vary hummus when making it at home, and different alternatives will add new flavors that pair well with different ingredients—from garlic, to spices, to certain cheeses. Whether it’s a quick dipping snack or rich accompaniment to a dish, if you’re wondering, “What do you serve hummus with?” we’ve rounded-up our top picks below to give you all the inspiration you need to enjoy this irresistible dip.
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First and foremost, when it comes to the question of, “What can hummus be eaten with?” pita bread tops the list. Popular in Mediterranean countries, pita bread is the fitting combination of a chewy and mild tasting vessel, to scoop up dollops of hummus, and let the flavors of the dip shine. If you fancy a little more crunch with your dip, pita chips can be easily made by roasting your pitta bread in the oven. It’s also not difficult to make your own pita bread at home if you want a fully homecooked approach to your afternoon snack.
2. Eggplant
When considering, “What can I eat with hummus that is healthy?” eggplant has to be our pick. Traditionally found in Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs perfectly with hummus. The subtle sweet taste of roasted eggplant is the ideal match for the nutty, savory, richness of the hummus. And there are numerous ways to enjoy eggplant with hummus. One of our favorite recipes is eggplant Parmigiana, with a healthy dollop of hummus on the side. Roasting the eggplant brings out the best of the flavors in this ingredient and a quick bite of this dish transports you instantly to the shores of the Mediterranean sea in the summertime.
3. Crackers
Similar to the pita chips above, the crunch of crackers balances out the smoothness of the hummus, adding texture to your afternoon snack or appetizer ahead of the main meal. Sesame crackers complement the flavor of the hummus well, and sea salt crackers add a salty depth to the pairing that’s particularly inviting. But the options are endless and you can experiment with a number of different crackers to find your top pairings.
4. Grilled chicken
Grilled chicken is a great choice for serving with hummus if you’re after more protein and an alternative to vegetarian snacks. Try enjoying a nourishing bowl of grilled chicken and hummus alongside other top salad choices like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce for a Buddha bowl approach. Or bundle into a wrap for a lunchtime dish that’s filling and nutritionally balanced. You can also use hummus as a marinade for chicken, to infuse a nutty and rich flavor into the meat if you want to cook with the hummus directly.
5. Olives
For a signature Mediterranean snack, olives are another classic ingredient found in this cuisine. Tangy and briny, they bring an elevated depth of pairing and flavor to hummus. There are a number of olives to choose from depending on your taste preferences. Kalamata olives are intense and slightly salty, whereas Manzanilla olives are smoky with an almond-esque taste. We’d recommend selecting a few varieties to taste test at home and discover your preferred pairings. This is a lovely option for serving to guests as an appetizer for an elevated way to dish up your hummus.
6. In a burger
When asked, “What is good with hummus?” a burger might not immediately spring to mind, but it’s well worth a try. Swap your usual BBQ sauce or mayo for a healthy serving of hummus, and experience the nutty, richness of this spread paired with a juicy burger. Or to keep it vegetarian, a hummus and tofu burger is ideal for a sunny afternoon BBQ with friends and family. You could also try marinating grilled chicken, as suggested above, for another way to introduce hummus to your burger.
7. Apple slices
Crisp and sweet, apples balance out the rich, savory flavor profile of the hummus. A balanced afternoon snack, whilst peanut butter may be the more obvious choice for pairing with apples, hummus introduces a different flavor dynamic for something a little less sweet. Pink lady apples are a brilliant variety to try with hummus, with their sweet and crispy taste.
8. Carrot and celery
A humble pairing, carrots and celery sticks are a straightforward duo of ingredients to chop up and enjoy with a bowl of hummus. This one is superb for hosting friends for a movie night, or a simple catch-up in the afternoon. A healthier alternative to chips, there are often very few leftovers with this one!
9. In a salad
There are a few inventive ways to introduce hummus to your salad. When creating a Buddha bowl, it can be easily added as one of the key ingredients for the bowl. You can simply dollop it on top of your chosen salad too, and it’s a delicious addition to a creamy Caesar salad or Greek-inspired salad. Other ways include mixing it into your go-to salad dressing. From an oily vinaigrette to creamier sauces, it adds a nutty and rich depth to your lunchtime salad serving.
10. Chips
Our final way to enjoy hummus is alongside your chosen flavor of chips. Above we’ve mentioned creating pita chips or using crackers to load up on your hummus dip, but simply picking-up your favorite packet of chips to serve alongside a fresh bowl of hummus is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser to enjoy with friends at the start of an evening catch-up. We find that sea salt chips work well, but you could branch out to cheese and onion or further afield.
