This Mediterranean-style appetizer is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a delightful dip with crisp vegetables or warm pita bread, spread it generously on wraps and sandwiches for a healthy lunch, or incorporate it into a nourishing rice bowl for a burst of flavor and color. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on fresh produce, legumes, and healthy fats.

A Taste of the Mediterranean in Your Kitchen

For those who have followed my culinary journey, you know my deep connection to Lebanese cuisine and the broader Mediterranean diet, thanks to my mom’s family roots. Growing up, our table was always laden with delicious, wholesome dishes characteristic of this region. Foods like traditional hummus, savory stuffed grape leaves, fresh seafood such as Mediterranean Salmon, comforting spinach pies, hearty Lebanese green beans, and creamy baba ghanoush were staples in our home. I cherish these culinary traditions and love sharing these nourishing recipes with you.

The beauty of this Beet Hummus recipe lies in its vibrant twist on classic flavors. By adding roasted beets, we not only achieve that captivating, intense pink hue but also introduce a subtle, earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty tahini and zesty lemon. It transforms a simple dip into an exciting and healthful dish that’s both beautiful and incredibly flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Beet Hummus

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The vibrant pink or purple color from the beets makes this hummus a showstopper on any platter, perfect for entertaining or brightening up your everyday meals.
• Nutrient-Packed: Beets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while chickpeas provide protein and fiber. This hummus is a powerhouse of nutrition!
• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The roasted beets lend a distinct earthy and slightly sweet note that beautifully balances the traditional savory, tangy hummus base.
• Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip, a spread, or a component in larger meals. It pairs well with almost anything.
• Easy to Make: With a food processor, this gourmet-looking dip comes together with minimal effort.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegan, gluten-free (check tahini if very sensitive), and part of a healthy Mediterranean diet.

If you enjoy exploring different hummus varieties, you absolutely must try some of my other favorites: my bright and zesty Lemon Hummus, the smoky richness of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, the impressive presentation of a Hummus Platter, or the hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Layered Hummus.

Essential Recipe Ingredients for Beet Hummus

Crafting this delightful Roasted Beet Hummus requires just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this vibrant dip. For exact measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

• Beets: The absolute star of this recipe. We use roasted beets because roasting concentrates their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and developing a deeper, earthier flavor. This process yields a mellow, slightly sweet beet flavor that blends beautifully into the hummus, creating a unique and delicate taste profile. Opt for a small to medium-sized beet for this recipe.
• Chickpeas: The foundational ingredient for any authentic hummus. I use a standard 15-ounce can of chickpeas, ensuring they are thoroughly drained and rinsed before use. Rinsing helps remove excess sodium and starchy liquid. For an extra creamy texture, some prefer to remove the skins from the chickpeas, though this is optional and not strictly necessary for a delicious beet hummus. I often set aside a few whole chickpeas to sprinkle on top as a garnish, adding a pleasant textural contrast.
• Tahini: Also known as sesame paste, tahini is a crucial ingredient for authentic hummus, providing its signature nutty depth and silky texture. It’s made from ground sesame seeds. When opening a new jar, remember to give it a good stir, as the natural oils tend to separate and rise to the top, leaving the thicker paste at the bottom. A well-stirred tahini ensures a consistent flavor and texture in your hummus.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable! It adds a vital bright, tangy, and refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the tahini and balances the earthy notes of the beets. It also helps to bring out the vibrant color of the beets even further.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide that essential pungent and aromatic kick that defines traditional hummus. You can adjust the amount to your preference – 1-2 cloves typically offer a good balance without overpowering the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used both for roasting the beets and for blending into the hummus, olive oil contributes to the silky smooth texture and rich Mediterranean flavor. A good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. You’ll add these to the beets before roasting and then adjust to taste in the final hummus blend.

Equipment Needed

Making homemade hummus is incredibly straightforward, especially with the right tools. You’ll primarily need:

• Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: Essential for achieving that perfectly smooth and creamy hummus texture.
• Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Dish: For roasting the beets.
• Mixing Bowl: To toss the beets with seasonings before roasting.

Enhance Your Experience: What Toppings Go on Hummus

A beautifully garnished bowl of hummus isn’t just about aesthetics; toppings add layers of flavor, texture, and often, even more nutrition. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your Easy Roasted Beet Hummus:

• Fresh Herbs: A classic choice for brightness and aroma. Finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, thyme, dill, oregano, or mint can transform your hummus. They add a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich dip.
• Seeds & Nuts: For a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy hummus, toasted seeds and nuts are perfect. Try toasted pine nuts (a traditional choice), sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Toasting them gently enhances their nutty flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A light sprinkle of fresh lemon zest provides an intense burst of citrus aroma and a hint of bitterness that brightens the entire dish, complementing the lemon juice already in the hummus.
• Whole Chickpeas: As mentioned, I love reserving a few whole chickpeas before blending to use as a simple, appealing garnish. They provide a soft textural pop and remind guests of the hummus’s main ingredient. This works especially well for variations like my Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Lemon Hummus, and Spicy Hummus.
• Cheese: For those who don’t mind a non-vegan option, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds a wonderful salty, tangy, and creamy element that pairs surprisingly well with the earthy beets.
• Vegetables: Diced fresh vegetables offer a colorful and crunchy addition. Think finely chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a few extra roasted beet cubes. I often incorporate fresh veggies into dishes like my Lebanese-Style Hummus for added freshness.
• A Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is a non-negotiable for serving almost any hummus. A final generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, gloss, and a beautiful finishing touch.
• Spices: A light dusting of sumac (for tanginess), paprika (for color and mild flavor), or a pinch of Za’atar can add an authentic Mediterranean touch.

How to Perfectly Roast Beets for Hummus

Roasting the beets is a crucial step that unlocks their best flavor and sweetness, making this beet hummus truly special. It’s an easy process that’s well worth the minimal effort.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Beets and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, wash your beet thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin. Once peeled, dice the beet into small, uniform ½-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking.
2. Step 2: Season and Toss: Place the diced beet in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until the beets are evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Roast to Perfection: Spread the seasoned beets in a single, even layer on an oven-safe skillet, baking dish, or baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the beets instead of roasting them. Place the beets in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Step 4: Cool Completely: Once roasted, remove the beets from the oven and allow them to cool down completely to room temperature. This step is important as warm beets can affect the texture of the hummus.

Pro Tip: For even easier preparation and less mess, you can roast the beet whole without peeling by wrapping it in foil. Once roasted and cooled, the skin will slip off easily. Then, dice it before adding to the hummus.

How to Make This Vibrant Beet Hummus

Once your beets are roasted and cooled, the rest of the Beet Hummus recipe comes together in minutes with the help of a food processor or high-speed blender. Get ready for an incredibly creamy and flavorful dip!

1. Step 1: Process the Beets: Add the cooled roasted beet pieces to your food processor or blender. Pulse several times until the beets are finely chopped and broken down. This helps ensure a smooth final texture.
2. Step 2: Add Main Hummus Ingredients: To the processed beets, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, fresh garlic cloves (1-2, depending on your preference for garlic intensity), and the fresh juice of 1 lemon.
3. Step 3: Blend Until Smooth: Begin to pulse and blend the mixture. Continue processing for about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture starts to become smooth.
4. Step 4: Slowly Incorporate Olive Oil: With the food processor or blender still running, slowly drizzle in the ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue blending until the hummus achieves a luxuriously silky and creamy consistency. This slow addition helps emulsify the oil into the hummus, creating that desirable smooth texture.
5. Step 5: Season and Adjust: Stop the processor and add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper. Blend once more to combine. Now, taste the hummus. This is your chance to perfect it! Adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your preference. If it’s too thick, you can slowly add a tablespoon of water or a little more olive oil while blending until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy beet hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a final swirl of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint), a few whole chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, or even some extra diced roasted beets for visual appeal and added texture.