When it comes to enjoying hummus, choosing the right side dishes can elevate your meal and make it more satisfying. Hummus, with its creamy texture and rich flavor, pairs well with a variety of sides that complement and enhance its taste.
Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a cozy dinner at home, selecting the best sides to eat with hummus adds excitement and variety to your spread. This article will guide you through twelve delicious options to serve alongside your hummus, making every bite more enjoyable.
1) Falafel
Falafel pairs excellently with hummus. These crispy chickpea patties offer a perfect contrast to the smooth and creamy texture of hummus.
You can stuff falafel into pita bread with a generous spread of hummus. Adding fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce makes it even better.
Another way to enjoy falafel with hummus is by serving them as a dip. Simply place the falafel on a platter with a bowl of hummus in the center. This setup is great for casual gatherings or snacks.
Falafel can also be added to a mixed salad featuring hummus as the dressing. Combining the elements gives you a balanced and nutritious meal that’s full of flavors.
Using hummus as a spread for your falafel wraps or sandwiches is another method. Whether the falafel is warm or cooled, the combination is always tasty.
2) Pita Bread
Pita bread is a classic choice to pair with hummus. Its soft and chewy texture makes it perfect for dipping.
To serve pita bread with hummus, warm the bread slightly. This makes it soft and pliable.
Cut the pita into wedges for easy dipping. Along with hummus, pita bread can become a satisfying snack or light meal.
You can also enjoy pita bread toasted. This adds a bit of crunch.
Whether warm or toasted, pita bread enhances the creamy taste of hummus.
3) Tabbouleh Salad
Tabbouleh salad is a great side to pair with hummus. It’s a fresh, herb-filled dish with parsley, mint, and tomatoes.
You make tabbouleh with bulgur wheat, which adds a chewy texture. The lemon juice and olive oil dressing give it a zesty flavor.
Adding tabbouleh to your meal with hummus creates a lighter, refreshing balance. This salad complements the creamy texture and richness of hummus well.
Having tabbouleh alongside hummus is also nutritious. The herbs and veggies in the salad provide a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Enjoying tabbouleh with hummus offers a mix of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect match for a healthy and tasty meal.
4) Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolmas, make a delightful side for your hummus spread. Their unique taste and texture complement the creaminess of hummus.
Grape leaves are packed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. The leaves provide a slight tang, balancing the flavors well.
You can find stuffed grape leaves in most Mediterranean or Middle Eastern grocery stores. Preparing them at home can be simple too. Boil the leaves and stuff them with your preferred filling.
These little rolls are served cold or at room temperature. They are easy to handle, making them perfect for dipping.
Pairing hummus and stuffed grape leaves offers a full-flavored experience. The smooth hummus pairs well with the herbaceous and slightly tart taste of the grape leaves.
Serve them together at your next gathering. Your guests will enjoy the variety and harmony of flavors.
5) Veggie Platter
A veggie platter is a fantastic option to serve with hummus. It’s colorful, fresh, and healthy.
You can include a variety of vegetables. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers are great choices. They add crunch and pair well with the creamy hummus.
To make the platter more appealing, cut the vegetables into easy-to-eat pieces. Arrange them neatly around a bowl of hummus. This makes it easy for everyone to grab and dip.
Adding broccoli and cauliflower florets can also be a good idea. They add different textures and flavors to your platter.
For extra flavor, try adding some radishes or snap peas. These give a nice zing and add some more vibrant colors.
6) Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad pairs well with hummus because it is fresh and light. The nutty taste of quinoa complements the creamy texture of hummus. Both foods together make a balanced and tasty meal.
To make quinoa salad, cook your quinoa and let it cool. Add vegetables like spinach, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes. For a crunch, you can toss in some toasted walnuts.
Mix everything in a bowl and drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice on top. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve alongside a generous scoop of hummus for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
7) Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush, like hummus, is a creamy dip made from eggplant. It’s a delicious pairing that can transform your meal.
You can serve baba ganoush with fresh vegetables. Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes provide a refreshing crunch.
For a heartier option, try pairing it with grilled flatbread. The smoky flavor of the grilled bread complements the rich, creamy dip well.
Sourdough pita bread is also a great choice. Its tangy flavor pairs nicely with the smoky baba ganoush.
Falafels are another excellent option. These crispy, fried balls of chickpeas are perfect for dipping and add a nice texture contrast.
Seared lamb loin chops can also be paired with baba ganoush. The tender, flavorful meat goes well with the creamy dip.
If you want something unique, try halloumi fries. These fried cheese sticks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great pairing.
8) Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables pair perfectly with hummus. Their caramelized edges and tender insides offer a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of hummus.
You can roast a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables. This enhances their flavors and makes them even tastier with hummus.
You might also try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. These herbs bring a fresh and earthy taste to the dish.
Serving a mix of roasted vegetables alongside hummus not only looks appealing but adds nutritional value. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy your hummus.
9) Olives
Olives are a fantastic side to serve with hummus. Their salty and tangy flavor complements the creamy texture of hummus perfectly. You can offer a variety of olives, such as Kalamata, green, or black olives, to give different taste experiences.
You can serve olives whole or sliced. If you serve them sliced, they are easier to eat with pita bread and hummus.
Marinated olives are another great option. Marinade them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an added burst of flavor. The marinade can also add a rich, aromatic touch to your snack or appetizer platter.
Olives are also healthy. They are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. This makes them a nutritious choice to pair with hummus, which is already packed with protein.
Set olives in small bowls around your platter. This makes it easy for guests to grab a few at a time. The contrasting flavors and textures will be a hit at any gathering.
Adding olives to your hummus spread will elevate the overall experience. Their distinctive taste and health benefits make them a must-try side.
10) Pickles
Pickles are a fantastic side to enjoy with hummus. Their tangy and crisp bite contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of hummus. Whether you choose dill, bread and butter, or spicy pickles, each type brings a unique flavor to the table.
You can slice pickles into spears or rounds for easy dipping. Pickles are also easy to find and store, making them a convenient option for any hummus spread.
Consider pairing your pickles with other sides like pita chips or fresh veggies to create a varied and satisfying snack platter. Pickles add a refreshing crunch that complements the smoothness of hummus, making them a versatile and tasty choice.
11) Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are a great side with hummus. The smoky flavor from the grill complements the creamy texture of hummus nicely.
To make grilled chicken skewers, marinate your chicken pieces in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto bamboo or metal skewers. Grill the skewers on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Serve the chicken hot off the grill next to a bowl of hummus. The combination of tender chicken and smooth hummus is both tasty and filling. You can also add some grilled vegetables to your skewers for extra flavor.
Grilled chicken skewers are easy to make and ideal for any meal. They pair perfectly with hummus, creating a balanced dish that everyone will enjoy.
12) Lentil Soup
Lentil soup pairs perfectly with hummus. Both are Mediterranean staples that complement each other well.
The hearty texture of lentil soup is satisfying and rich. Its earthy taste balances the creamy and smooth consistency of hummus.
Lentil soup is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option. You can make it with various ingredients like carrots, onions, and spices.
Enjoy the contrasting textures by dipping bread in both the hummus and the soup. This makes for a flavorful and filling combination.
Lentil soup can be customized with herbs and spices such as cumin and coriander. These flavors integrate well with the garlicky taste of hummus.
Adding a touch of lemon juice to your lentil soup can brighten the flavor. This citrus touch also harmonizes with the tanginess of hummus.
Together, hummus and lentil soup create a wholesome and delicious meal. They offer a balanced taste experience that is both enjoyable and nutritious.
Nutritional Benefits of Pairing Hummus with Different Foods
Pairing hummus with various foods can enhance your intake of essential nutrients. This section explores how these combinations can boost your diet with additional protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Protein-Rich Combinations
Hummus, made from chickpeas, already contains a decent amount of protein. When you pair it with foods like chicken, turkey, or shrimp, you significantly increase the protein content of your meal. This is particularly beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
Eggs are another great option. Pairing hummus with boiled eggs can provide you with a complete protein source, offering all essential amino acids. For a plant-based twist, consider combining hummus with lentils or quinoa. Both lend an extra protein punch while keeping the meal vegetarian.
Even dairy products like feta cheese or Greek yogurt can complement hummus, enriching your meal with more protein and calcium.
Vitamins and Minerals Boost
Hummus is rich in phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, which support bone health and muscle function. Combining it with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach amplifies your intake of vitamins A, C, and K. These boost your immune system and improve skin health.
Nuts and seeds like almonds and chia seeds can add more magnesium and healthy fats to your snack. Likewise, fresh fruits like apple slices or grape tomatoes enhance the meal with additional vitamin C and antioxidants.
Pairing with whole grains like whole-wheat pita or brown rice provides fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Hummus
Explore imaginative ways to serve hummus that can elevate your meals and snacks. From themed platters to unique breakfast ideas, these suggestions offer fun and delicious options.
Themed Hummus Platters
Creating themed hummus platters can be a fun and engaging way to enjoy hummus. You can start with a Mediterranean Platter by including roasted red pepper hummus, pita bread, olives, and feta cheese. Arrange them on a beautiful platter for an eye-catching presentation.
A Veggie Lover’s Platter is another great idea. Serve different types of hummus like garlic, beet, and traditional, along with a variety of fresh vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. This not only looks colorful but also provides a healthy and crunchy complement to the creamy hummus.
For a Tex-Mex Platter, pair hummus with tortilla chips, guacamole, and spicy salsa. Add some black beans and corn for extra texture and flavor. This themed platter ensures a spicy and satisfying experience for any hummus fan.
Hummus as a Breakfast Spread
Using hummus as a breakfast spread can add a twist to your morning routine. Instead of the usual butter or jam, spread classic hummus on toast and top it with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chia seeds. This creates a nutritious and filling breakfast option.
For a more hearty breakfast, try a hummus breakfast wrap. Spread hummus on a whole-grain wrap and add scrambled eggs, spinach, and feta cheese. Roll it up, and you have a portable and protein-packed breakfast.
Another idea is a hummus and veggie bagel. Spread some flavored hummus, like roasted red pepper, on a toasted bagel. Add cucumber slices, arugula, and a drizzle of olive oil on top for a fresh and tasty start to your day.
Tips for Making Your Own Hummus at Home
To achieve creamy and smooth hummus, use dried chickpeas. Soak them in water overnight to soften them.
Adding a teaspoon of baking soda during soaking ensures even softer chickpeas.
For quicker preparation, use canned chickpeas. Rinse them thoroughly to remove the canning liquid.
When blending, use tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Start with the tahini and lemon juice to create a creamy base.
Cooking Chickpeas
Pressure cooking dried chickpeas can save time. Cover them with water and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Blending Tips
Blend the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for a minute. This helps create a creamy mixture.
Then, add the chickpeas. You can gradually add ice water while blending to achieve a smoother texture.
Flavor Enhancers
Sauté garlic and lemon zest in oil before adding to the hummus. This step adds a deeper flavor.
For variations, try adding herbs like mint and chives or substitute chickpeas with other ingredients like peas.
Serve your hummus chilled, garnished with olive oil and paprika or fresh herbs.
