Easy Oil-Free Hummus Recipe
Making your own oil-free hummus is quick, easy, and will save you loads of money over time (especially if you eat hummus as frequently as we do). It’s time to stop buying tubs of hummus at the store and whip up your own homemade batch in the food processor whenever you need more. This delicious hummus recipe will truly change your mind about buying pre-made packages.
Hummus is traditionally made with a huge amount of olive oil—something like a ¼ cup! This classic hummus recipe is just as good (possibly even better!), but without any added olive oil. But, if chickpeas aren’t your thing, make sure to check out this white bean hummus recipe!
Why Make Hummus Without Oil?
This oil-free hummus proves you don’t need added fat to achieve that rich, velvety texture. It is creamy, flavorful, super easy to make, and full of plant-based protein goodness! Plus, it’s:
- Lighter and Healthier. Skipping the added oil means fewer calories and less fat, but you still get that creamy, satisfying texture. It’s a great option if you’re watching your intake or just want a lighter snack.
- Creamy Without the Oil. Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) works magic as a natural thickener. It keeps your hummus smooth and silky without needing a drop of added oil.
- Budget-Friendly. No added oil means one less ingredient to buy! That makes homemade hummus even more affordable—especially if you use canned or cooked-from-scratch chickpeas.
- Customizable. Without oil, the boldness of your flavor add-ins—like garlic, lemon, herbs, or spices—really comes through. Each variation tastes fresh and vibrant.
- Great for Meal Prep. It keeps well in the fridge for days, so you can whip up a batch and enjoy it all week long. Use it in veggie wraps, epic salads, lunch sandwiches, or as a quick snack with veggies.
Key Ingredient and Substitutions
This recipe uses pantry staples that come together quickly in a food processor or blender. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tahini – This luscious sesame paste infuses this hummus with a creamy richness. Consider substituting with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a unique flavor twist.
- Lime Juice – Zesty and tangy, lime juice elevates this hummus with a refreshing kick. Use lemon juice for a similar tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar works too, just use a little less.
- Chickpeas – The foundation of hummus, chickpeas deliver a silky texture and offer nutty undertones. If you don’t have chickpeas, cannellini beans can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- Chickpea Brine – Also known as aquafaba, this liquid contributes to a light and fluffy consistency, without the need for oil.
- Garlic – A powerhouse ingredient, garlic adds a robust and savory flavor to the hummus. Use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh. Roasted garlic gives a sweeter, mellow flavor. Or skip it if you’re not a fan—your hummus will still taste great!
- Cumin – Earthy and warming. Try ground coriander or smoked paprika for a different vibe. Even a pinch of chili powder can add a nice twist.
Oil-Free Hummus Flavor Variations
Change it up with these fun add-ins—no oil needed!
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Add roasted red pepper to a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Olive hummus: Blend 1/4 cup of pitted black or green olives (like in this fried olives recipe!) into your hummus for a briny and savory flavor.
- Caramelized Onion Hummus – Mix in caramelized onions for a sweet and savory hummus perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on sandwiches.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus – Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Jalapeño Hummus: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
How To Make This Oil-Free Hummus
This recipe comes together in just minutes with a food processor or high-speed blender!
Step 1: Blend Tahini and Lime Juice – Add the tahini and lime juice to a food processor or high-powered blender. Process for one minute.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients – Add the chickpeas, aquafaba, garlic, salt, and cumin and blend until smooth. This should take about a minute.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve – Serve immediately, garnishing with olive oil, paprika, whole chickpeas, and chopped parsley, if desired.
Serving Tips and Suggestions
In all honesty, we think hummus is delicious with everything! But, if you’re rushing around and out of ideas, here are our all-time favorites. They’re all temptingly tasty and fun:
- Break Out the Bread – Super soft pita bread, sliced seeded bread, and breadsticks are the best. Any or all of these would work well with this mouthwatering hummus. This vegan bread guide is a great resource!
- Tons of Tortillas – You don’t have to stick with flour tortillas to go with this recipe. Try corn tortillas or tortilla chips of all shapes and sizes. So satisfying!
- Vats of Veggies – Pretty much any bite-sized vegetable would be yummy with this beany dip. You can choose traditional choices like baby carrots, broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and peppers, but how about out-of-the-box vegetables such as thinly sliced radishes, chunks of red onion, or cool jicama as well?
- Don’t Forget the Fruits! – Yes, it may seem slightly strange to include fruits, but some types actually go great with this savory recipe. Try strawberries, pear or peach slices, dates, dried apricots, or apples?
FAQs
It stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Just keep it in a sealed container and give it a stir before using. (It might not even last that long!)
Yes! It’s super creamy thanks to the chickpeas, tahini, and aquafaba (that liquid from the can). You won’t even miss the oil.
You sure can! Just put it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to eat. Give it a quick blend or stir to bring back the texture.
More Chickpea Goodness
Listen while you cook! Tune into my podcast, The Plant Powered People Podcast, while you’re cooking, folding laundry, or taking a bath. It may just change your life!
Oil-Free Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini
- juice of one lime
- 2 cans chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans
- ¼ cup chickpea brine, aka aquafaba
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt to taste, about 1 teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- olive oil, paprika, and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor (ideal) or high-powered blender (such as a Vitamix), add the tahini and lime juice and blend together for one minute.
- Add the remaining ingredients (chickpeas, chickpea brine, garlic, salt, and cumin) and blend until creamy (at least one full minute).
- Plate in a serving bowl and using a spoon, spread some waves in the hummus. Drizzle with olive oil (optional) and garnish with paprika and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- No Added Oil: This recipe is made without added oil—the tahini is simply ground up sesame seeds!
- Consistency Tip: If your tahini isn’t very “drippy,” you can add a few extra tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea brine) as needed to get a smoother consistency.
- Storing: Just transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and consume within 4-5 days.
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Thank you so much I have been having so much trouble trying to figure out what to eat but you got me and I thank you
So happy we can help, Tonya! 🙂
I have tried other oil-free hummus recipes, and I don’t usually like them as much as the typical oil-laden versions. This one is perfect and my new go-to for homemade hummus.
Hummus is super easy to make, I used to buy it until I made it once and realized how much I could save in amount made and money 🙂
Love it!!!! This hummus looks sooo good!!
This oil-free hummus is a staple in our house! The perfect snack for three hungry boys 🙂
The best hummus you’ll ever try! I always wondered why you needed to add oil in (and, sometimes, on top) of hummus. Without the oil, it tastes just as good…or even better! The tahini and garlic gives the recipe juts the right flavor, texture and richness. SOOOO good. Don’t just take my word for it. Make it today! 😀
I have made this many times and it is delicious. No oil needed, at all, and it is not missed. This hummus is creamy and rich and is so much better than any I have ever purchased. I like to sprinkle parsley and smoked paprika on the top for a colorful presentation and some added flavor. I am a big garlic lover and the 2 cloves of raw garlic works for me!!
This made me wonder why I ever dumped so much oil in my hummus before! This is JUST as good! Yum.
This hummus recipe is so easy and delicious! I’m big on adding a bit of roasted garlic to mine.