The holiday season, or any festive gathering for that matter, always brings with it an abundance of delicious food. From comforting main courses to an array of tantalizing sweets, party tables are often laden with culinary delights. For me, however, the real stars of any party are always the appetizers and, more specifically, the dips! That’s why I’m thrilled to team up with American Dairy Association Mideast to share this fantastic Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus recipe, perfect for your next celebration or even just a healthy everyday snack.

When I’m at a party, you’ll almost certainly find me near the appetizer spread, happily dipping a chip or a piece of warm pita bread into something flavorful. This homemade hummus, with its rich taste and smooth texture, is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits, making it a smart choice for any occasion.

What sets this hummus apart is the incredible flavor from the sweet and smoky fire-roasted red peppers, complemented by the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt. This addition not only enhances the texture but also significantly boosts the protein and calcium content. While I appreciate a classic, plain hummus, I find myself gravitating towards unique flavored varieties for snacking, spreading on wholesome sandwiches like my Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, or serving with a colorful Hummus Platter. If you’re a hummus enthusiast like me, you might also enjoy my Loaded Hummus Pitas, a traditional Lebanese Hummus Recipe, refreshing Cucumber Hummus Bites, or the hearty Ground Beef Layered Hummus.

Why Add Greek Yogurt to Hummus?

Adding Greek yogurt to hummus is a fantastic way to elevate this classic dip. Greek yogurt is renowned for its thick, creamy texture and a delightful tangy flavor, both of which perfectly complement the earthy notes of chickpeas and tahini. Beyond its appealing taste and consistency, Greek yogurt significantly boosts the protein content, turning your hummus into an even more satisfying and nutritious snack. It also introduces beneficial probiotics and a good dose of calcium, making this hummus a healthy powerhouse. The yogurt helps achieve an incredibly smooth finish without relying solely on oil, resulting in a lighter yet still incredibly rich dip.

The Allure of Roasted Red Peppers

Roasted red peppers are truly a culinary marvel, bringing a unique depth of flavor to any dish, especially hummus. When peppers are roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, resulting in a distinct sweetness and a subtle smoky char that’s simply irresistible. This process also softens their texture, allowing them to blend seamlessly into a creamy dip. The vibrant red color they impart is an added bonus, making your hummus visually appealing and a true centerpiece on any appetizer platter. You can use store-bought fire-roasted peppers for convenience, or easily roast your own at home for an even fresher taste.

Health Benefits of This High-Protein Hummus

This Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients! Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, along with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Fresh lemon juice provides a boost of Vitamin C, an important antioxidant. And of course, the Greek yogurt not only adds protein but also beneficial probiotics for gut health and a significant amount of calcium for strong bones. It’s a wholesome dip that supports a healthy lifestyle without compromising on flavor.

Versatility in Serving Your Hummus

While this creamy dip is famously delicious with pita bread and fresh-cut vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips, its versatility extends far beyond. Think of it as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps, a healthy base for grain bowls, or a dollop alongside grilled chicken or falafel. It makes an excellent addition to a Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board, paired with olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes. You can also thin it slightly with a bit more olive oil or chickpea liquid to create a vibrant salad dressing or a flavorful marinade. The possibilities are truly endless!

Tips for the Smoothest, Creamiest Hummus

Achieving that ultra-smooth, velvety hummus texture is key, and a few simple tricks can make all the difference. Firstly, ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly rinsed. For an exceptionally silky dip, some chefs even recommend removing the skins from the chickpeas, though this is optional and not strictly necessary for a great result. Secondly, use a good quality food processor and allow it to run for sufficient time, often several minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra liquid – whether it’s the reserved chickpea aquafaba (liquid from the can) or more olive oil – a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, always taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about homemade hummus is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or party planning. Once prepared, transfer your Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus to an airtight container. You can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing to help prevent it from drying out and to maintain freshness. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this hummus will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days. Simply give it a good stir before serving, and if it’s too thick after chilling, a tiny splash of water or lemon juice can bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Essential Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The foundation of any good hummus! For this recipe, a 16 oz can of chickpeas is perfect. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly. Don’t discard the liquid from the can, also known as aquafaba; it can be a secret weapon for thinning your hummus if you desire a smoother consistency later. If you prefer, you can use dried chickpeas, but they’ll require an overnight soak and then cooking until tender.
• Greek Yogurt: This is the star ingredient that sets this hummus apart. Opt for plain, whole milk Greek yogurt for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. It provides that signature tang and a wonderful boost of protein. While regular yogurt can be used in a pinch, be aware it has a thinner consistency, so your hummus might require less additional liquid.
• Roasted Red Peppers: These bring a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor, plus a beautiful color. I usually grab fire-roasted red peppers from a jar for convenience, but regular roasted red peppers work just as well. For an even fresher taste, you can roast your own bell peppers at home. You can also omit them for a more traditional hummus flavor if you wish.
• Lemon Juice: Essential for brightness and balancing the rich flavors of the other ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will always yield the best results, adding a zesty kick that lifts the entire dip.
• Tahini: This paste made from ground sesame seeds is crucial for authentic hummus. It contributes a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor and helps achieve the classic smooth, thick texture by acting as a natural emulsifier. Ensure your tahini is well-stirred before measuring.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are highly recommended for their pungent, aromatic punch that’s central to hummus flavor. I typically use 2-3 cloves, but feel free to adjust to your personal preference. If fresh isn’t available, a small amount of garlic powder can be substituted, though it won’t be quite as vibrant.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is key. It adds a fruity richness, contributes to the creamy texture, and makes a beautiful drizzle for garnish. Choose one with a flavor profile you enjoy.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning that brings all the flavors together. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste, as the saltiness can vary depending on your chickpeas and roasted red peppers.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and comprehensive instructions.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus

Preparing this incredibly flavorful and healthy dip is surprisingly simple! With just a few steps and your trusty food processor, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting hummus ready in minutes.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Food Processor: Begin by adding all of your ingredients, with the exception of the olive oil, into the bowl of your food processor. This includes the drained chickpeas, Greek yogurt, roasted red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic cloves. Secure the lid and blend the mixture for an initial 30 seconds to start breaking down the ingredients.

Step 2: Achieve Desired Consistency: Now, with the food processor still running (or in pulses), gradually add the 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue to blend, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the hummus reaches your desired creamy and smooth consistency. If you prefer a thinner hummus, you can slowly add more olive oil or a tablespoon of the reserved liquid from the chickpea can until it’s perfect. Finally, taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings, adding salt if necessary, to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish: Transfer the freshly made hummus to a decorative serving bowl. For an appealing presentation and an extra burst of flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few Kalamata olives, additional chopped roasted red peppers, and a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, pita chips, an assortment of fresh vegetables, or as a vibrant spread on your favorite sandwiches and wraps.