Authentic Lebanese Style Hummus: A Fresh & Healthy Mediterranean Dip for Every Occasion
Lebanese Style Hummus offers a vibrant, simple twist on classic hummus, transforming it into an even more exciting and flavorful experience. Using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this creamy chickpea dip is elevated with a generous topping of diced tomatoes, fresh parsley and mint, whole chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice. It’s perfectly paired with a colorful array of fresh vegetables and warm whole wheat pita bread, making it the ideal choice for a healthy snack, appetizer, or what we affectionately call an “unofficial meal.” Get ready to discover your new favorite dip that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious!
The Heart of Lebanese Cuisine: My Family’s Hummus Tradition
Today’s recipe for Lebanese Style Hummus holds a truly special place in my heart. Hummus wasn’t just a dish in our home; it was a cornerstone of every meal, a cherished snack, and an essential appetizer at every family gathering or party. Growing up in a Lebanese family meant that our country’s rich food traditions were deeply ingrained in our daily lives, and hummus was always at the forefront. We would prepare this classic Lebanese Hummus Recipe so frequently that it felt like an extension of our kitchen itself.
Even if we started with hummus as a pre-meal delight, it inevitably found its way to the actual dinner table. There, it would proudly accompany other traditional dishes like our flavorful kibbeh, tender Lebanese Green Beans (Lubee), warm pita bread, and creamy yogurt. These were the meals that brought us together, fostering conversation and strengthening bonds, with hummus always playing a starring role.
More Than Just a Dip: Hummus as a Cultural Icon
Our family gatherings always kicked off with a generous platter of creamy, plain hummus, lovingly prepared by my Mom and Grandma. This tradition continues to this day! The beauty of plain hummus lies in its versatility, serving as a perfect canvas for a variety of delightful toppings. Some days, it would be a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, adding a rich, buttery crunch. On others, finely chopped parsley and a dusting of vibrant paprika would adorn it. And often, we’d enjoy it topped with whole chickpeas, a generous drizzle of golden olive oil, and fresh, diced tomatoes. Each variation brought a new layer of flavor and texture, turning a simple dip into an engaging culinary experience.
Hummus truly embodies wonderful versatility. It’s not just food; it’s an invitation to gather. After a long day, setting out a bowl of hummus allows family and friends to unwind, reconnect, and savor fresh, wholesome food together. This Lebanese Style Hummus takes that concept a step further, offering an elevated yet effortless way to enjoy this beloved staple.
Embracing the “Unofficial Meal”: A Smart Snacking Solution
Given my upbringing, it was only natural for hummus to become a constant in my adult life. I always keep a container of hummus in the refrigerator, ready for a healthy snack, a delicious spread for sandwiches and wraps, or that much-needed “unofficial meal” before dinner. In my household, the hour leading up to dinner can often be the most challenging. My kids start to get hungry, but we prefer to wait for Mike to return from work so we can all enjoy dinner together as a family.
To keep everyone satisfied until dinner, I love to have a generous spread of fresh, crunchy vegetables and warm whole wheat pita bread alongside a bowl of this delicious hummus. My kids devour this combination like it’s candy! I don’t know about your children, but mine absolutely adore dipping, especially my son, Drew. He is the ultimate dipper – a trait I’m pretty sure he inherited from his mom!
The Fusion of Flavors: Lebanese Hummus Meets Tabbouleh
This Lebanese Style Hummus recipe beautifully marries two of my absolute favorite things: creamy hummus and the fresh, vibrant flavors of tabbouleh. The result is a perfect, irresistible dip that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness. I consistently have fresh parsley, ripe tomatoes, fragrant mint, and chickpeas on hand, making it incredibly easy to whip up this delightful topping for a container of plain hummus. This makes it an ideal appetizer to serve when friends come over, whether we’re heading out for dinner or enjoying a casual meal at home.
Crafting Your Perfect Lebanese Style Hummus: Ingredients & Customization
For this particular recipe, I chose Sabra’s Roasted Pine Nut Hummus as the base. I’m a big fan of pine nuts, and I love the extra layer of nutty flavor they add to the dip. However, if you prefer, you can certainly start with a plain hummus and simply add your own toasted pine nuts for that delightful crunch. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – you can tailor it to your taste!
Once you have your hummus base, the magic truly happens with the toppings. I generously layered the hummus with freshly chopped parsley and mint, perfectly diced tomatoes, a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A handful of plump chickpeas adds wonderful texture and a boost of protein. I often set out a separate small bowl of extra chickpeas because my toddler absolutely loves to snack on them straight! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add an extra textural element, you could even try topping your hummus with these Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas – they’re a fantastic addition!
Key Ingredients for an Authentic Taste
The inspiration for the vibrant combination of parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice comes directly from my all-time favorite Lebanese salad, tabbouleh. I intentionally left out the bulgur for this hummus topping, primarily because I don’t always have a pre-made tabbouleh salad readily available in my fridge. However, if you happen to have some leftover tabbouleh – lucky you! – feel free to use that instead. It will work beautifully and infuse even more authentic flavor. Another ingredient I adore adding from time to time is crumbled feta cheese. Its salty, tangy notes pair exceptionally well with the creamy hummus and the freshness of the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions: Making Your Hummus the Star
While this Lebanese Style Hummus is truly a star on its own, how you serve it can elevate the entire experience. Beyond the classic warm whole wheat pita, consider a vibrant “rainbow” of fresh vegetables. Think crisp cucumber slices, crunchy bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange for color!), juicy carrot sticks, and even tender blanched green beans. These not only add more nutrients but also make for an incredibly appealing presentation. For a heartier snack, you could also offer sturdy crackers or even lightly toasted bread. This versatile dip isn’t just for dipping; spread it generously on a sandwich, use it as a base for a grain bowl, or even thin it slightly with a touch of water and lemon juice for a unique salad dressing.
Health Benefits of Lebanese Hummus
This Lebanese Style Hummus is not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with health benefits, making it a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan, especially one inspired by the Mediterranean diet. The base, chickpeas, are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which are essential for satiety, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. The olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while tomatoes add a boost of lycopene and Vitamin C. It’s a wholesome, nutrient-dense option that supports overall well-being and provides sustained energy, proving that healthy eating can be truly delicious and satisfying.
Why This Lebanese Style Hummus Recipe is a Must-Try
Whether you’re a longtime hummus enthusiast or just discovering the joys of this Mediterranean staple, this Lebanese Style Hummus recipe is a definite must-try. It combines the ease of using a ready-made hummus base with the vibrant, fresh flavors of traditional Lebanese toppings. It’s an easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying way to bring a touch of authentic Mediterranean cuisine into your home. Perfect for impromptu gatherings, a nutritious after-school snack, or simply as a delightful accompaniment to your weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that nourishes both body and soul. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite toppings, and share the joy of this delicious dip with your loved ones!
More Hummus Recipes
Appetizers
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Vegetarian
Lemon Hummus
Appetizers
Cucumber Hummus Bites
Appetizers
Southwestern Hummus Baked Wonton Cups
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Lebanese Style Hummus
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Ingredients
- 1 container of Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Diced Tomatoes
- Freshly chopped mint
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Lemon Juice
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
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Top your favorite hummus {we like to use the Sabra Roasted Pine Nut} with freshly chopped parsley and mint, diced tomatoes, chickpeas and a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil.
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Serve with a big plate of freshly cut vegetables and whole wheat pita bread.
Notes
- I didn’t give exact amounts because it really is up to you on how much you want to top your hummus with. I like to use some of the ingredients and then when the hummus is half gone, I top with more!
- Try adding feta cheese to the hummus too!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.