Fabulous Homemade Lemon Hummus Recipe (so easy!)

This fabulous homemade Lemon Hummus recipe takes minutes to make and will be your go-to hummus for dipping EVERYTHING!

My secret weapon for getting everyone in the family (including me!) eating more vegetables is a fabulous dip. Today it’s one of the all-time best hummus dips ever! Sure, you can use pita chips or naan bread to dip, but I highly recommend getting those crunchy vegetables in with this one!

Let’s make the best lemon garlic hummus. You’ll forget store-bought hummus because this one is tastier and healthier! Oh, and did I mention it takes about 5 minutes to whip up? No reason not to try this!

I love sharing this lemon hummus with friends and family because it packs flavor without any fuss. Fresh lemons add a zing, and the citrus flavor shines in every creamy bite.

The recipe needs some basic ingredients that stay budget-friendly, and you can finish the prep fast. Whether you serve it with crackers, pita, or fresh veggies, and it will disappear from the table.

Then, it’s easy to store any leftovers in an airtight container, so it stays good for days. It works well with different meals or stands as a light snack. The bright lemon taste pops without overpowering other flavors, and it keeps everyone reaching for more. I enjoy every spoonful, and I hope you do too. Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Love this Lemon Hummus Recipe

A creamy hummus is always my favorite dip. And when it’s homemade, I love it even more because there are no preservatives and unknown ingredients. Here’s why you’ll love this smooth hummus:

• I like creamy dips, and this hummus always delivers. The blend of tahini and beans creates a fluffy texture. I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top to give it a silky finish. The smooth consistency makes it perfect for spreading on sandwiches or scooping up with crunchy veggies.

• You can find every component in most kitchens. Kosher salt, chickpeas, and fresh seasonings appear in many chickpea recipes, so you probably have them on hand.

• This recipe provides a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. The beans, tahini, and olive oil contribute nutrients, and you can skip heavy dressings. You can serve it for lunch or snack time, and your family will love the natural taste.

• Hummus pairs well with pita, raw veggies, or grain bowls. It also works as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. You can enjoy it at picnics or potlucks because it travels well.

• Hummus costs more at stores, but making it at home keeps expenses down. You can buy bulk beans and other pantry staples for far less than packaged dips. I keep everything in my pantry and refill items when I run low.

Simple Ingredients Needed for the Best Homemade Hummus

If you’re a hummus lover, this simple recipe is for you because you only need a handful of ingredients for it.

Here’s a simple list of ingredients needed for this lemony hummus:

• Fresh garlic: your garlic clove will bring medicinal properties to your hummus along with flavor. Win-win!

• Sweet paprika: It gives the hummus a gentle warmth and bright color.

• Chili powder: It adds a mild kick that complements the creamy texture.

• Rinsed and drained chickpeas: They form the main base and deliver a hearty bite.

• Lemon zest and juice: They give a tangy boost that sets the hummus apart.

• Tahini: It binds everything into a smooth and nutty mixture.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: It provides a rich taste and helps blend the hummus into a velvety dip.

How to Make this Easy Hummus

Making the best hummus is all about getting the quantities right, the rest your blender or food processor will. Here’s how to make this easy hummus that’ll prove to be a great spread for all your snacks. Scroll a little more to the recipe card if you’d like the printable version of this recipe!

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or powerful blender.  Process until smooth.
2. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

I cannot think of a more nutritious way to get your kids to eat raw vegetables.  Hummus is the perfect dipping agent and is packed with nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and heart, hair, and skin-healthy fats!  The addition of lemon so helps us to digest the protein and fats.  Bonus.

Ways to Use Lemon Hummus

Dipping is great, but here are a few more fun ways to use hummus that I think you’ll love.

• As a sandwich spread
• On crackers or pita chips
• On top of salads or grain bowls
• As a condiment for your favorite burger
• In a breakfast veggie burrito
• Inside this Hummus Veggie Wrap
• With this Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl

If you make this recipe for Lemon Hummus, will you please give it a star rating below? It’s so helpful for other readers when a recipe’s been rated. I so appreciate it! I’d love to stay in touch. Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

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Variations You Can Try With This Recipe

You can make this your own hummus by slightly changing the flavor profile if that’s what your taste buds ask for. Or maybe you want to do some creativity to change this plain hummus into something better. Either way, you can customize this recipe. Here are some ideas I like:

Roasted Vegetable Hummus

Blend your chickpeas with roasted peppers, carrots, or tomatoes, then top with olive oil for extra moisture. It’ll add sweetness and depth to the hummus, and it pairs well with a light salad or grilled meat.

Herb-Loaded Hummus

You can also use fresh basil, cilantro, or fresh parsley to add color. A few fresh herbs brighten the flavor, and you can garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for subtle heat. This variation sits well alongside a Greek salad or grilled fish.

Tangy Beet Version

Turn this into a fun beet hummus by puréeing steamed or roasted beets with the chickpeas. Beets add color and an earthy taste. A small spoon of sesame seed paste balances the sweetness of the beets, and you can top it with goat cheese crumbles.

Nutty Crunch

Toast pine nuts or almonds and sprinkle them on top for a crunchy texture. You can toss a few seeds or nuts into the blend for an even thicker consistency. This style tastes great with grilled chicken or rice bowls.

Chunky Chickpea Twist

Blend only half the chick peas to keep more texture. Stir in the remaining whole beans at the end and season with extra spices. This approach works well for hearty wraps and pitas because it gives you a thick, chewy dip.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tahini for hummus?

Of course, store-bought tahini works well. It’s good to pick a brand without added ingredients for a cleaner taste and stir it before measuring to keep the texture consistent.

How do I store leftover hummus?

I place it in a sealed container and refrigerate it for up to five days. A thin layer of olive oil on top helps maintain freshness and prevents dryness.

Should I peel the chickpeas?

You can peel them for a smoother texture, but it’s not mandatory. If you want extra silkiness, remove the skins. But if you prefer a rustic consistency, skip that step. Or, if you’re just busy like me, don’t bother! I never do.

This recipe was first published in 2011. Recipe, photos, and text were all updated in 2025. Enjoy!