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Creamy zucchini hummus in a white bowl, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with herbs and red pepper flakes.
Layla

Zucchini Hummus

A lighter, brighter twist on classic hummus where roasted zucchini adds subtle sweetness and silky body without any heaviness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 168

Ingredients
  

For the Zucchini
  • 1.5 lb zucchini about 2 medium, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the Hummus Base
  • 0.25 cup tahini well stirred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated on microplane
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tbsp ice water as needed for consistency
For Serving
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 1 tsp za'atar or sumac optional, for finishing

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Food processor
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Roast the Zucchini
  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Toss zucchini chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are deeply caramelized and centers are very tender. Let cool slightly.
Build the Hummus
  1. In a food processor, combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Process until thick and lightly whipped, about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides once.
  2. Add the warm roasted zucchini and chickpeas to the processor. Blend until completely smooth, 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The warmth from the zucchini helps create a silkier texture.
  3. With the processor running, drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches a light, spreadable consistency. It should ribbon off a spoon rather than hold stiff peaks. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed.
Serve
  1. Transfer to a shallow bowl, use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with za'atar or sumac if using. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita, vegetables, or crackers.

Notes

Roast the zucchini until genuinely golden, not just soft - that caramelization is what gives this hummus its depth. For the smoothest texture, peel the zucchini if the skin is thick or blemished, though tender young zucchini skins blend beautifully. This keeps refrigerated for 4 days and actually improves in flavor after a day as the garlic mellows.