Beat the Heat: Delicious Summer Hummus Recipes to Try Now

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors. And what better way to do that than with hummus? This versatile and healthy dip can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. While traditional hummus is always a crowd-pleaser, why not spice things up with some seasonal ingredients and create exciting new variations? This article will guide you through some delicious and easy-to-make summer hummus recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you cool all season long.

## Why Hummus is Perfect for Summer

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why hummus is an ideal summer food:

* **No-Cook (Mostly!):** Most hummus recipes require minimal cooking, which is a huge plus during hot summer days when you don’t want to spend hours in a hot kitchen.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Hummus is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice. It’s also a good source of iron, folate, and manganese.
* **Versatile:** Hummus can be paired with a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and pita bread to crackers and even grilled meats.
* **Easy to Customize:** The flavor of hummus can be easily customized by adding different ingredients, making it perfect for experimenting with seasonal produce.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great option for parties and gatherings.

## Essential Hummus-Making Tips

Before we get to the recipes, here are a few essential tips to ensure your hummus turns out perfectly every time:

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your hummus. Use fresh, high-quality chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
* **Cook Your Chickpeas Properly:** If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and then cook them until they’re very soft. This will help create a smoother and creamier hummus.
* **Remove the Chickpea Skins (Optional):** Removing the skins of the chickpeas can make your hummus even smoother, but it’s a time-consuming process. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
* **Use Good Tahini:** Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, so it’s important to use a good quality brand. Look for tahini that is smooth, creamy, and has a slightly nutty flavor.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Add Water:** Adding a little bit of water while blending the hummus will help create a smoother and creamier texture. Add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasonings:** After blending the hummus, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, garlic, or salt to suit your preferences.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the hummus for at least 30 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive taste.

## Summer Hummus Recipes

Now, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! Here are some delicious and refreshing summer hummus variations to try:

### 1. Classic Hummus (Base Recipe)

This is the foundation for all the other recipes. Mastering this will allow you to modify to your liking.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
* ¼ cup tahini
* ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
* ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt to taste
* 2-4 tablespoons ice water
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (if cooking chickpeas)

**Instructions:**

1. **If using canned chickpeas:** Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. To soften canned chickpeas even further (optional, for smoother hummus), place them in a saucepan with water to cover and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda (this helps break down the outer skins). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until very soft. Drain and rinse again.
2. **If using dried chickpeas:** Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight. Drain and rinse. Place in a pot with water to cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until very soft. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda halfway through the cooking time.
3. **Combine ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. **Add chickpeas:** Add the chickpeas and olive oil to the food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. **Add water:** With the food processor running, slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The hummus should be smooth and creamy, but not too thin.
6. **Taste and adjust:** Taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, garlic, cumin, or salt to suit your preferences.
7. **Chill and serve:** Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or chopped parsley. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.

### 2. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

This recipe adds a sweet and smoky flavor to classic hummus.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* 1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (about ½ cup)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the roasted red pepper to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe.

### 3. Avocado Hummus

This recipe adds a creamy and healthy twist to classic hummus.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* 1 ripe avocado, pitted and roughly chopped
* Optional: A squeeze of lime juice

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the avocado to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The avocado may mellow the flavors, so you might need to add more lemon juice or salt. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavor.
4. Chill and serve immediately, as avocado can brown over time. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

### 4. Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

This recipe adds a tangy and savory flavor to classic hummus.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve the oil!)
* 1 tablespoon reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes (or olive oil)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and the reserved oil (or olive oil) to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The sun-dried tomatoes can be salty, so you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

### 5. Spicy Jalapeño Hummus

For those who like a kick, this recipe adds a spicy twist to classic hummus.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
* Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the jalapeño pepper to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Be careful when handling jalapeños, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil.

### 6. Cucumber Dill Hummus

This is a super refreshing and light hummus, perfect for hot summer days.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* ½ cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the cucumber and dill to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The cucumber can make the hummus a bit watery, so you might need to add a little more tahini or chickpeas to thicken it up. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe. Garnish with more fresh dill and a few slices of cucumber.

### 7. Corn and Black Bean Hummus

A Southwestern-inspired hummus that’s both sweet and savory.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
* ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
* ¼ teaspoon chili powder
* Optional: A squeeze of lime juice

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the corn kernels, black beans, and chili powder to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavor.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder.

### 8. Watermelon Radish Hummus

This hummus adds a refreshing and vibrant color to your summer spread.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* ½ cup watermelon radish, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon chopped mint
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the watermelon radish, mint, and lemon zest to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The watermelon radish adds a slightly peppery flavor.
4. Chill and serve as directed in the classic hummus recipe. Garnish with extra sliced watermelon radish and mint leaves.

### 9. Mango Hummus

A tropical twist that’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for summer.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* ½ cup ripe mango, peeled and chopped
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* Pinch of chili powder (optional, for a little kick)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the mango, lime juice, and chili powder (if using) to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might need more lime juice depending on the sweetness of the mango.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped mango and a sprinkle of chili powder or shredded coconut.
5. Serve with pita chips, naan bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

### 10. Beet Hummus

This vibrant pink hummus is as beautiful as it is delicious. Beets add a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* Classic Hummus (recipe above)
* 1 cup cooked beets, peeled and roughly chopped
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the classic hummus recipe as directed.
2. Add the cooked beets, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar (if using) to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Process until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the beets.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, or a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

## Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative ways to serve your summer hummus:

* **Crudités Platter:** Arrange a variety of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, around a bowl of hummus.
* **Pita Bread and Dips:** Serve hummus with warm pita bread, olives, feta cheese, and other Mediterranean dips.
* **Hummus Bowls:** Create individual hummus bowls with toppings like chickpeas, roasted vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and a drizzle of tahini.
* **Hummus Wraps:** Spread hummus on a tortilla and fill it with your favorite sandwich ingredients, such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and grilled chicken or falafel.
* **Hummus Toast:** Spread hummus on toast and top with avocado, everything bagel seasoning, or a fried egg.
* **Grilled Meats and Vegetables:** Serve hummus as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **Snack Packs:** Portion hummus into small containers and pack them with vegetables and crackers for a healthy and convenient snack.

## Storage Tips

* Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* If you notice any separation, simply stir the hummus before serving.
* You can also freeze hummus for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Conclusion

These summer hummus recipes are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the season. With a little creativity, you can easily customize these recipes to suit your own preferences. So, ditch the store-bought dips and get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade hummus creations! Enjoy the sunshine and the fresh flavors of summer!