When it comes to dips, sauces and spreads, you'd be hard-pressed to find one as hardworking as hummus. With its roots in the Middle East, this popular condiment is made from a blend of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame seeds), lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Yummy, yes—but it's way more than just a palate pleaser: Hummus is packed with protein, fiber and other vitamins and minerals, serving as a great nutrient-booster for vegetarian and vegan diets. Plus, its ingredients have been shown to fight inflammation, promote good digestive health, reduce heart disease risk and keep blood sugar within healthy levels. As if that's not reason enough to leave the French onion and queso dips in the dust, hummus' high fiber and protein content helps to curb appetite and speed up metabolism, meaning it could give weight-loss efforts a serious boost. And when it comes to versatility, this spread steals the show. Hummus wears many hats, each more delicious than the last. Whether you're hosting a Mexican fiesta, get giddy over garlic or need a splash of color for a holiday tabletop, there's a hummus for that. Whatever you're dipping—veggie chips, raw veggies, whole-wheat crackers, pita bread or just your spoon—go beyond the basics with one of these inventive variations. 1. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: When it comes to healthy snack options, this savory hummus hits all the right buttons. Use it as a sandwich spread or delicious dip.  Image courtesy of Six Sisters Stuff 2. Hummus Guacamole Dip: This crowd-pleasing version is made from spinach, avocado and cannellini beans.  3. Edamame Hummus: This light, vegetarian hummus is perfect to use as a dip or to spread on sandwiches.  Image courtesy of Zagleft 4. Black-Eyed Pea Hummus: Creamy, easy and good for you, this recipe stays true to the taste of hummus, but with a terrific twist.  Image courtesy of One Dish Kitchen 5. Baba Ganoush Hummus: Try this creamy and delicious hybrid between eggplant dip and the classic chickpea hummus.  Image courtesy of Amanda's Cookin' 6. Spicy Cilantro Hummus: For lime lovers who like a little kick with their hummus.  7. Instant Pot Hummus: This simple, no-fuss hummus pairs perfectly with crisp veggies or pita chips.  Image courtesy of A Pinch of Healthy 8. Paleo Sweet Pea No-Bean Hummus: This healthy appetizer is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and sugar-free. .jpg) Image courtesy of Tastes Lovely 9. Eggplant Hummus: Similar to baba ganoush, this Indian-inspired dip gets any dinner party off to a zesty start.  10. Greek Layered Hummus: This easy recipe uses premade hummus for a quick, easy and flavorful snack.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything 11. Pumpkin Hummus with Spiced Lamb: Pumpkin adds beautiful, rich color and extra fiber, vitamins and minerals to hummus that is topped with a spiced lamb mince.  Image courtesy of All Roads Lead to the Kitchen 12. Avocado Hummus: Creamier than hummus and tastier than avocado, this easy dip combines the best of both for a delicious snack or great party idea.  Image courtesy of Hurry the Food Up 13. Classic Hummus: This classic recipe is quick and easy to make, smooth and creamy, perfect for dipping or spreading, and tastes fresh and flavorful.  Image courtesy of Gimme Some Oven 14. Black Bean Hummus: A delicious alternative to traditional chickpea hummus, this dip is great with raw vegetables, crackers or tortilla chips or makes a great sandwich spread.  Image courtesy of One Dish Kitchen 15. Hummus With Peanut Butter: No tahini on hand? Throw in some peanut butter for a sweeter, nuttier flavor.  16. Southwestern Hummus With Pico de Gallo and Charred Corn: Topped with an easy, fresh pico de gallo and charred corn for a fun and tasty appetizer.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 17. Spicy Hummus Queso Dip: This creamy and delicious hummus-based dip makes the perfect healthier tailgating appetizer.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food 18. Sun-Dried Tomato and Jalapeno Hummus: Basic hummus is made more interesting with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and sliced jalapeno peppers.  19. Carrot Hummus: Serve this light, refreshing hummus with fresh slices of red and yellow peppers, cauliflower, celery or pita chips for a healthy and flavorful snack.  Image courtesy of Zagleft 20. Toasted Walnut Hummus: No sesame seeds on hand? Try using walnuts instead.  21. Holiday Hummus: Roasted red pepper hummus gets dressed up with chopped cucumber and feta cheese for an easy, but fancy, holiday-themed appetizer.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 22. Lemon Avocado Hummus Recipe: Blending hummus and guacamole, it makes a great sandwich spread, yummy appetizer or an afternoon snack with crackers and veggies.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food 23. Banana Hummus: Combine a ripe banana with the traditional flavors of hummus for a delicious and unique spread.  24. Pumpkin Bean Dip: Packed with protein from the beans and nutrients from the pumpkin, this fun fall dip is sure to be a huge hit at parties.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food What's missing? Share your favorite hummus recipes! |
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