Learn how to make the BEST Olive Hummus in minutes! This creamy, flavor-packed dip is a healthy snack that's a must have for olive lovers, and it couldn't be easier to make!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Are you an olive lover? I definitely am, although my husband isn't. Which is not a bad thing really, because it means more olives for me!
Hummus is one recipe that is especially delicious with olives added. Briny olives add so much flavor, and they can take the classic recipe from simply tasty to totally mouthwatering.
If you love olives as much as I do, then you definitely need to try this easy Olive Hummus! Make this recipe with your fave green or black olives. It's super delicious and takes minutes to make ... basically, the perfect snack or appetizer!
Ready to dig in? Then keep reading for all the mouthwatering details!
Ingredients
This easy recipe is made with simple, healthy ingredients you can find in most stores. Here's what you'll need:
- Olives - You can use any kind of olives for this recipe. I especially love to make it with easy-to-find Kalamata Olives. Any kind of cured black olives or green olives will work though, so use your favorite kind.
- Chickpeas - Canned chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans, form the base of this spread. Using canned beans is definitely a timesaver, but you can cook them from scratch, if you prefer.
- Tahini -This sesame seed paste gives the recipe its authentic flavor, so don't skip it. Look for it in your grocery store's international aisle or near the nut butters, check your local Middle Eastern / Mediterranean market, or buy it online. Joyva and 365 are two of my favorite brands that are relatively easy to find. Make sure to stir it really well before using, because it has a tendency to separate.
- Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice is essential for brightening of the flavors of the recipe. Avoid the bottled kind.
- Garlic - You'll also want to use fresh garlic. Since it's used raw, one cloves packs a punch. However, you can always add an extra clove for a more intense flavor.
- Cayenne - While optional, a touch of cayenne give this recipe a welcome kick.
- Salt - I recommend using Kosher salt.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free, which means everyone can enjoy it!
You'll Also Need
To purée this dip, you'll also need a food processor or a high power blender, such as a Vitamix. And a good spatula is super helpful ... this silicone spatula is my fave!
How to Make Olive Hummus
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to make the hummus! You'll find a detailed, printable recipe at the end of the article, but here's a quick overview:
- Mince garlic. Pulse garlic in your food processor until it's finely chopped.
- Add chickpeas. Drain the liquid from your canned chickpeas into a small bowl and set aside. Transfer the beans to a colander, then rinse them with water. Add the chickpeas to the garlic, along with the tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Blend for three minutes or until totally smooth. Add chickpea liquid (or cold water) a tablespoon at a time) to make hummus easier to blend and to get the desired consistency ... you may need two to three tablespoons.
- Mix in olives. Add the olives then pulse them in. This dip is best when the olives are a little chunky, so don't puree them ... you want to see some small chunks.
- Taste. Give your dip a taste, then adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and/ or lemon juice, if needed.
Doesn't it look so delicious? That really is all there's to it, and like I mentioned earlier, you can use different olives for this recipe to make Black Olive Hummus or Green Olive Hummus. The choice is up to you, so try it with your fave olives!
Recipe Tips
Here are a few simple tips that will help you master this recipe:
- Stop occasionally as you're blending to scrape down your processor / blender with a spatula. Doing so will ensure everything gets evenly mixed.
- The longer you blend the ingredients together, the smoother and creamier the finished dip will be ... I recommend at least three minutes once you add the chickpeas. The spinning blades also incorporate a little air, making the end result lighter.
- Adding aquafaba (the liquid from the canned chickpeas) or cold water gives the hummus a creamy consistency and helps it blend well. Make sure to add it a tablespoon at a time and to mix well before adding more.
- Good seasoning is essential. If the flavor seems flat add a little extra salt and / or lemon juice. The amount of salt you'll need will depend on your taste buds, as well as other factors (including how salty your olives are).
What to Eat with Hummus
Serve this Olive Hummus with your favorite fresh veggies (like cucumbers, carrots, grape tomatoes, and bell peppers) and pita bread, tortilla chips, homemade pita chips, or homemade Herb Parmesan Crackers.
You can also use this delicious dip in bowls, sandwiches, and more. Try using it in this Hummus Sandwich, Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, or this Roasted Veggie Bowl!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for three to four days. You can even freeze leftover hummus!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this easy dip, try these other hummus flavors and recipes next:
- How to Make Hummus - The BEST! An authentic recipe with tons of tips and tricks.
- Layered Greek Hummus Dip
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
- Southwest Hummus
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Spicy Chipotle Hummus
- Black Bean Hummus
- Hummus Pizza
Looking for more olive recipes? Try these Feta, Pepper, and Olives Bites or this Baked Feta Appetizer with Tomatoes and Olives next!
Olive Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 large garlic clove, peeled
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- ½ large lemon, juiced
- kosher salt
- ⅓ cup roughly chopped olives
For Serving:
- extra virgin olive oil, optional
- paprika, optional
- chopped olives, optional
- veggies, such as cucumbers, peppers, carrots, grape tomatoes, etc.
- pita bread, pita chips, and/or crackers
Equipment
Instructions
- Pulse garlic clove in a food processor until minced.
- Scrape down sides of food processor, then add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt to garlic. Blend until totally smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add olives to hummus; pulse just until combined. (Do not over-process; you should still be able to see small chunks of olive.)
- Season hummus to taste with additional salt. Transfer to a bowl, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and top with additional chopped olives, if desired.
- Serve hummus with veggies, pita bread, pita chips, and/or crackers. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This sounds so good and is perfect for summer entertaining. I love olives and the addition of them to hummus sounds super tasty.
As far as I'm concerned, Paula, olives make everything better! 🙂