Are you looking for a healthy yet delicious dip for your snack break? Look no further than 2 tbsp (28 g) Pesto Hummus, with only 90 calories per serving. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Pesto Hummus, including its taste, ingredients, health benefits, and more.
Pesto Hummus is a fusion of two popular dips, hummus and pesto, resulting in a unique yet delightful flavor. It is made from chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and traditional pesto ingredients like basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of nutty and creamy texture with a tangy and herby flavor makes Pesto Hummus a perfect dip for chips, veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches.
In this article, we'll not only introduce you to this scrumptious dip but also provide you with tips on how to make it at home, where to buy it, and the brands that offer the best Pesto Hummus.
What is Pesto Hummus?
Pesto Hummus is a modern take on traditional hummus with the addition of pesto ingredients like basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It is a healthy yet flavorful dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Like regular hummus, Pesto Hummus is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The combination of hummus and pesto creates an explosion of flavor and texture in your mouth. It has a subtle nuttiness from the pine nuts and a fresh herby taste from the basil. The creamy texture of hummus is perfectly balanced with the tanginess of lemon juice and the richness of olive oil.
How does Pesto Hummus taste?
Pesto Hummus has a unique flavor profile that combines the earthy and nutty taste of traditional hummus with the fresh and herby taste of pesto. The addition of Parmesan cheese and pine nuts adds depth and richness to the dip. It has a creamy yet slightly grainy texture and a tangy finish from lemon juice and olive oil. Overall, Pesto Hummus is a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and herby flavors.
What are the ingredients of Pesto Hummus?
The ingredients of Pesto Hummus include chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Chickpeas are the primary ingredient in hummus, providing protein, fiber, and essential minerals. The addition of olive oil and pine nuts adds healthy fats and a nutty flavor to the dip. Basil is a traditional pesto ingredient that adds a fresh, herby taste to the hummus. Garlic provides a subtle sharpness and aroma, while Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the dip. Finally, lemon juice adds tanginess and balances the flavors of Pesto Hummus.
Is Pesto Hummus Vegan?
Pesto Hummus is not vegan due to the addition of Parmesan cheese, which is made from animal rennet. However, you can easily make a vegan version of Pesto Hummus by omitting the Parmesan cheese or replacing it with a vegan alternative. Pine nuts and olive oil add healthy fats to the dip, while chickpeas provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Overall, Pesto Hummus is a nutritious and delicious dip for both vegans and non-vegans.
What are the health benefits of Pesto Hummus?
Pesto Hummus is a healthy dip that provides several health benefits. Chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. The addition of olive oil and pine nuts adds healthy fats to the dip, which are beneficial for heart health. Basil, a traditional pesto ingredient, is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote a healthy immune and digestive system. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antifungal properties and may help lower cholesterol levels.
How can you consume Pesto Hummus?
Pesto Hummus is a versatile dip that can be consumed in many ways. It is perfect as a dip for veggies, crackers, or pita bread. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or as a topping for salads or grilled veggies. Pesto Hummus is a healthy and delicious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
How can you make Pesto Hummus at home?
Making Pesto Hummus at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. To make Pesto Hummus, you will need chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese (optional). In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth. Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese (if using) to the mixture and pulse until well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Pesto Hummus with your favorite dippers or use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
What are the variations of Pesto Hummus?
There are many variations of Pesto Hummus that you can try to switch up the flavor profile. You can add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichokes to the hummus to create a different taste. Adding different herbs like cilantro or parsley can also provide a fresh and unique flavor to the dip. If you're looking for a vegan version of Pesto Hummus, you can easily omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also try using different nuts like cashews or walnuts instead of pine nuts for a different flavor profile.
What are the popular brands of Pesto Hummus?
There are many brands that offer Pesto Hummus, including Sabra, Cedar's, and Roots Hummus. Each brand may have a slightly different taste, texture, or added ingredient, so it's worth trying a few different brands to find your favorite. Look for Pesto Hummus in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Where can you buy Pesto Hummus?
You can buy Pesto Hummus at most grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers like Amazon Fresh or Fresh Direct. Look for Pesto Hummus in the refrigerated section of the store or on the shelves near other dips and spreads. You can also make Pesto Hummus at home using the recipe provided in this article.
Pesto Hummus is a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and herby flavors.
FAQs About Pesto Hummus
1. What is Pesto Hummus?
Pesto hummus is a savory dip that combines chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil with the traditional flavors of pesto, including basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
2. How many calories are in Pesto Hummus?
There are approximately 90 calories in two tablespoons (28 g) of Pesto Hummus.
3. Is Pesto Hummus healthy?
Yes, Pesto Hummus can be a healthy snack option. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and fiber, and olive oil is a healthy source of fats. However, it may be high in sodium and calories if consumed in large amounts.
4. How can I use Pesto Hummus?
Pesto Hummus can be used as a dip for veggies, pita chips, or crackers. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Is Pesto Hummus vegan?
Pesto Hummus may not be considered vegan as it contains Parmesan cheese, which is made from cow's milk. However, it can be easily modified to be vegan by omitting the cheese or using a vegan alternative.