Hummus Recipe Without Tahini

Tahini isn't something we always have in the pantry. It's delicious, but since we use it a lot, it's easy to run out.

That's why this tahini-free hummus recipe is a lifesaver for us. Plus, it tastes so good that nobody in the family even notices it's made without tahini.

This recipe is perfect for those moments when you're craving homemade hummus but, oops, no tahini! No worries at all—we've got you covered. You don't need tahini to whip up a batch of hummus that's still incredibly creamy and bursting with flavor. 

Can Hummus Be Made Without Tahini?

Absolutely! You don't need tahini to make delicious hummus.

Tahini is traditionally used in hummus, but you don't have to use it to get great results.  

There's no need for fancy substitutes either. 

Simply use more olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and garlic to enrich the flavor. These ingredients help make the hummus creamy and flavorful, and no one will miss the tahini.

We also like to add cumin to our recipe. It's a staple spice for anything we make with beans, not only for its flavor but also because it aids in digestion.

Why Skip Tahini in Your Hummus?

The main reason we often make hummus without tahini is simply because we run out of it, but there are other reasons you might choose to skip it too. 

Tahini isn't always easy to find, especially in areas where Middle Eastern ingredients aren't common.

It's also made from sesame seeds, which are common allergens, so leaving it out makes the hummus safer for those with allergies.

Additionally, tahini can be expensive, so omitting it can help keep your hummus budget-friendly.

Plus, not everyone enjoys the strong flavor of tahini; making hummus without it can result in a milder taste that might better suit some preferences.

How to Make Hummus without Tahini

(Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!)

Making this tahini-free hummus recipe is really easy and no different from making traditional hummus.

Blend chickpeas (garbanzo beans) from a can with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water (or aquafaba), salt and cumin in a blender or food processor. 

If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water or aquafaba from the chickpea can to get a creamy texture.

Once blended, taste your hummus and adjust the flavors. You might want to add more lemon juice or a bit of salt to suit your taste.

Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and give it a final touch by drizzling some extra virgin olive oil over the top. 

For a burst of color and flavor, sprinkle on a bit of sumac (the spice on Middle Eastern hummus recipes), red pepper flakes or paprika. 

We also love to garnish it fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

What Else Can Be Used Instead of Tahini to Make Hummus?

To keep our no tahini hummus creamy and flavorful, we simply add a bit more olive oil and lemon juice in this recipe. 

If you're looking to create variations, there are several other ingredients you can try. 

Nut butters like peanut butter and almond butter are great choices; they bring a nutty depth similar to tahini. Just use them sparingly so they don't dominate the flavor.

While we haven't tried Greek yogurt yet, it could be another great option to make your hummus richer and creamier. 

You can also add other ingredients like roasted red peppers, roasted garlic, avocado, black olives or a little harissa for extra flavor. 

If you want to give this a try, start with our Red Pepper Hummus Recipe and simply leave out the tahini.  

Remember, these aren't replacements for tahini in all recipes, but they work great in hummus to add more depth.

Serving Suggestions

This tahini-free hummus can be served just like regular hummus and it's delicious with many kinds of foods. 

We especially love it with different types of breads like lavash and pide bread (or pita bread).

Hummus is great with pita chips and crackers too. All perfect for scooping up the creamy hummus.

You can also serve it:

• With Crunchy Veggies: Hummus is great with fresh, crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers. 
• With Roasted or Grilled Foods: Try it with grilled halloumi cheese or chicken kebabs for a flavorful meal.
• As Part of a Mezze Platter: Add hummus to a mezze platter with other dishes like Turkish bulgur salad, biber dolma, yaprak sarma or mucver. 
• And if you have any leftover hummus, you can use it in sandwiches.

Storing Hummus

Just store your no tahini hummus in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for up to 4 days.

Be sure to seal the container tightly to keep out any fridge odors.

Before serving, it's a good idea to remove the hummus from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand. And you can top it with some olive oil and spices when serving.

We don't recommend freezing hummus, as it can change the texture and taste.

More Dip Recipes

• Fava Bean Dip
• Baba Ganoush without Tahini
• Beetroot Dip
• Green Olive Dip
• Haydari Meze

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