10 Delicious Vegan Ways to Enjoy Hummus This Summer
10 Delicious Vegan Ways to Enjoy Hummus This Summer
Hummus, the velvety blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a pantry staple for plant-based eaters year-round—but in summer, it truly shines. Light, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, hummus can take center stage at picnics, BBQs, beach lunches, and weeknight dinners. Whether you're whipping up a batch of homemade hummus (like my version with sesame oil, lemon, and iced water) or grabbing a tub from your favorite local market, here are 10 vegan-friendly ways to enjoy hummus all season long.
1. Make a Hummus Picnic Board
A Mediterranean-inspired hummus platter is one of the easiest no-cook meals for hot days. Start with a generous bowl of hummus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with smoked paprika or za’atar. Surround it with a rainbow of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, olives, grilled artichokes, and roasted chickpeas. Add fresh pita triangles or seed crackers, and you’ve got an effortless spread perfect for a beach picnic or afternoon in the park.
Pro tip: Keep everything chilled in a cooler and pack hummus in a lidded mason jar for easy dipping.
2. Use It as a Creamy Salad Dressing Base
Skip the bottled dressing and blend hummus with lemon juice, water, and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro to make a rich, tangy dressing for your favorite summer salads. It’s especially good on grain bowls with farro or quinoa, or as a creamy counterpoint to peppery arugula and sweet stone fruit. Try it on a salad of grilled corn, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for peak summer vibes.
3. Spread It on Summer Tartines
Hummus makes an ideal base for open-faced summer tartines or toasts. Think of it as a savory stand-in for ricotta or cream cheese. Smear it on grilled sourdough or rye and top with heirloom tomato slices, flake salt, and basil. Or go sweet-savory with roasted peaches, chili oil, and microgreens. The possibilities are endless—and completely vegan.
4. Serve It With Grilled Veggies
Fire up the grill and pair your smoky eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers with a scoop of hummus on the side. The creaminess of the hummus contrasts beautifully with the charred edges of the vegetables. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or chimichurri for extra flavor, and serve with warm pita or herby couscous for a complete meal.
5. Stuff It Into Pita Pockets or Wraps
For an easy lunch on the go, spread hummus inside a pita or tortilla wrap and fill it with crunchy lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrot, pickled onion, avocado, and falafel or baked tofu. The hummus acts as both the sauce and the glue, holding everything together while keeping it moist and flavorful. Add a dash of hot sauce or harissa for a little kick.
6. Make Hummus Pasta (Yes, Really)
This might sound unusual, but hummus transforms into a creamy, dairy-free pasta sauce with just a bit of hot pasta water and lemon juice. Toss warm noodles (we like rotini or spaghetti) with hummus, roasted garlic, and sautéed summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and some toasted pine nuts. It’s a great quick dinner option when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
7. Serve It With Cold Melon or Stone Fruit
Here’s a surprising yet delicious combo: hummus and sweet, juicy fruit. Try it with cold wedges of cantaloupe or honeydew, fresh figs, or even grilled nectarines. The earthy, nutty flavor of hummus pairs beautifully with the brightness of ripe summer fruit, and a little flake salt on top helps balance the sweet and savory notes. For a twist, stir a touch of maple syrup and lemon zest into the hummus before serving.
8. Create Vegan Hummus “Deviled Eggs” With Baby Potatoes
A fun plant-based twist on deviled eggs: boil small baby potatoes until tender, slice them in half, and scoop out a little center. Fill the hollow with a swirl of seasoned hummus—think turmeric-spiced or paprika-laced varieties. Garnish with dill, pickled mustard seeds, or a sprinkle of smoked salt. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for cookouts or cocktail parties and are gluten-free to boot.
9. Try It as a Burger Topper or Sandwich Spread
Skip the vegan mayo and go for hummus as your go-to sandwich spread. It adds moisture, flavor, and protein to any vegan burger, wrap, or veggie sandwich. Spread it on a toasted bun and top with a grilled black bean patty, lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños, and avocado. For extra flair, mix the hummus with Dijon mustard or sriracha.
10. Turn It Into a Cold Summer Soup
Blend hummus with cold water, cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a quick, cooling summer soup. Think of it as a hummus-based gazpacho—light, refreshing, and packed with protein. Garnish with diced veggies and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant starter or lunch.
Bonus Tip: Flavor Variations to Try
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with different hummus flavors. Try mixing in roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, fresh herbs, jalapeños, or even seasonal squash for a unique twist. Garnish with sesame seeds, chili crisp, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Some seasonal favorites to try:
Lemon Dill Hummus for salads and wraps
Smoked Paprika Hummus with grilled veggies
Roasted Beet Hummus for vibrant color and earthy sweetness
Cilantro-Jalapeño Hummus for spicy tacos or tostadas
Final Thoughts
Hummus is more than just a dip—it's a summer essential for plant-based eaters and flavor lovers alike. With its versatility, nutritional value, and cooling creaminess, hummus can step into nearly any role on your table, from salad dressing to soup base, sandwich spread to show-stopping appetizer. Whether you're heading to the beach, planning a backyard BBQ, or just looking for new ways to jazz up your lunch, give one (or all!) of these ideas a try.
Have a favorite hummus twist or summer pairing? Share it with your friends or tag your creations on social—because when it comes to hummus, the more the merrier.