Creamy Avocado Hummus & Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: Your Ultimate Healthy Snack Recipe
Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary blend of creamy avocado, wholesome garbanzo beans, and a carefully selected medley of aromatic spices! Paired with the irresistible crunch of easy-to-make homemade pita chips, you have found yourself the perfect healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying snack. (A special thank you to the California Avocado Commission for generously sponsoring this delightful post!)
Unveiling a Fresh Take on Hummus: Avocado’s Irresistible Embrace
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today is a truly special day, not just because I’m thrilled to share one of the most exciting and delectable recipes I’ve ever created (thanks to the wonderful The California Avocado Commission), but also because my little corner of the internet has received a delightful new look! I sincerely hope you enjoy the fresh, vibrant, and sassy aesthetic – it’s a reflection of my own spirited personality! But enough about the blog’s new wardrobe, let’s dive into the star of today’s show: this incredible Avocado Hummus.
Have you ever ventured into the world of homemade hummus? While the concept is generally straightforward, I’ve often found myself grappling with specific ingredients, particularly tahini, which isn’t always a pantry staple for everyone. That’s precisely why I love to experiment and put my own spin on classic hummus recipes, creating unique and accessible variations. From a zesty Ranch Hummus to the vibrant creation we’re celebrating today, Avocado Hummus, the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Why This Avocado Hummus Stands Apart
Traditional hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a beloved staple around the globe. It’s creamy, savory, and wonderfully satisfying. However, by introducing the rich, buttery goodness of fresh avocado, we elevate this classic to a whole new level. The avocado not only imparts a stunning bright green color but also adds an unparalleled creaminess and a boost of healthy monounsaturated fats. This makes our Avocado Hummus not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably nutritious. It’s a dip that truly does it all – it’s visually appealing, boasts a complex flavor profile, and offers substantial health benefits.
My love for garbanzo beans (chickpeas) runs deep. I confess, I could happily open a can, drain them, and enjoy them straight up! I truly don’t discriminate when it comes to beans; they are a nutritional powerhouse and so versatile in countless dishes. Of course, my adoration for avocados is equally strong. Who can resist their smooth texture and incredible flavor, not to mention their impressive array of vitamins and healthy fats? It’s a match made in culinary heaven when these two ingredients come together.
By blending ripe avocados and garbanzo beans in a food processor with a few key spices, a touch of quality olive oil, and the bright zest of fresh cilantro, something truly magical happens. The cilantro introduces a subtle, refreshing, almost Mexican-inspired kick, perfectly complementing the creamy avocado and earthy chickpeas. It also enhances the hummus’s vibrant green hue, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The result is hands down the best hummus I’ve ever tasted – bursting with flavor and whip it up in mere minutes.
The Art of Homemade Pita Chips: A Perfect Companion
Just like our avocado hummus, these homemade pita chips are incredibly simple to prepare and elevate the entire snacking experience. Forget bland, store-bought versions; these chips are crisp, flavorful, and the ideal vehicle for scooping up every last bit of that delicious dip. The beauty of making them at home is the control you have over the ingredients and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake.
While I adore using my recipe for homemade pita bread, high-quality store-bought pita bread works absolutely wonderfully too. The process is straightforward: simply brush both sides of the pita bread with olive oil, slice them into neat triangles, and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. A quick bake in a hot oven for just a few minutes transforms them into golden, crunchy perfection. The reward? Freshly baked, warm pita chips, ready to be plunged into your creamy homemade Avocado Hummus!
Beyond the Dip: Versatility of Avocado Hummus
This Avocado Hummus is so much more than just a dip. It’s an incredibly versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It makes for an outstanding healthy snack at any time of day, satisfying cravings without compromising on nutrition. But its utility doesn’t stop there!
- Sandwich Spread: Swap out mayonnaise or other less-healthy spreads for this vibrant hummus. It adds a burst of flavor and a dose of healthy fats to any sandwich or wrap, turning a simple lunch into a gourmet experience.
- Healthy Lunchbox Addition: Pack it with an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables like carrots, cucumber sticks, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes for a balanced and appealing lunch.
- Burger Topping: Spread a generous dollop on your favorite burger (meat or veggie!) for an unexpected, creamy, and flavorful twist.
- Salad Booster: Thin it out slightly with a little extra lemon juice or water to create a creamy salad dressing that’s far more interesting and nutritious than store-bought options.
- Breakfast Toast: Spread it on whole-grain toast and top with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange it on a platter with an array of fresh crudités, crackers, and, of course, your homemade pita chips for an elegant yet effortless appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Its delightful flavor and creamy texture make it an indispensable ingredient that can elevate even the simplest of meals. I am confident that you will adore its taste and versatility as much as I do!
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why This Snack is Good for You
Beyond its incredible taste, this Avocado Hummus with Homemade Pita Chips offers a wealth of nutritional benefits, making it a guilt-free pleasure. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in contributing to your well-being:
- Avocados: Often referred to as “nature’s butter,” avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. They’re also an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium (more than a banana!), Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. These nutrients support everything from healthy digestion to immune function and skin health.
- Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): These legumes are a phenomenal source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which promotes satiety, aids in digestion, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. They also provide essential minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium, vital for energy production and overall cellular health.
- Olive Oil: A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. It contributes to cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic and Cumin: These spices not only add incredible depth of flavor but also come with their own health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cilantro: This fresh herb provides vitamins A and K and acts as a natural detoxifier, adding a refreshing note to the hummus.
By opting for homemade pita chips, you control the amount and quality of oil and salt, avoiding the artificial ingredients and excessive sodium often found in store-bought snacks. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, fulfilling snack that actively contributes to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It’s truly a win-win situation!
Avocado Hummus with Homemade Baked Pita Chips
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Ingredients
AVOCADO HUMMUS:
- 1 large ripe avocado peeled, pitted, and cut into chunks
- 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained (reserve about 1/4 cup of the liquid)
- 1 clove fresh garlic diced or minced
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (essential for freshness and preventing browning)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus extra for garnish if desired
PITA CHIPS:
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large pita breads white or whole wheat, for healthier option
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- garlic powder if desired, for extra flavor
Instructions
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For the Avocado Hummus: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chunks of peeled avocado, the drained garbanzo beans, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Add the chopped cilantro.
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Process on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined and relatively smooth. Slowly drizzle in the reserved garbanzo bean liquid, a little at a time, while the processor is running. Continue blending until your desired smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, lemon juice) as needed.
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For the Homemade Pita Chips: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
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Lightly spread olive oil generously onto both sides of each pita bread. Place them on a clean cutting board. Cut each pita bread in half, then cut each half into four even triangles, yielding 8 triangles per pita.
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Arrange the pita triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pita chips are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
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Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve the warm, crispy homemade pita chips alongside your freshly made Avocado Hummus. Garnish with a little extra cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and healthy snack!
Nutrition
Explore More Delicious & Healthy Dips and Spreads!
If you’re a fan of this healthy and flavorful recipe, you’ll love these other ideas:
Ranch Hummus Dip
For those who enjoy a zesty kick, our Ranch Hummus Dip is a fantastic alternative, perfect with fresh veggies and, of course, homemade pita chips. It’s packed with protein and flavor, offering a creamy and delicious experience that comes together in just 5 minutes!
Skinny Avocado Dip
If you’re looking for another light and refreshing avocado-based option, our Skinny Avocado Dip offers a simpler, equally delicious way to enjoy the creamy goodness of avocados. It’s perfect for those times you want pure avocado flavor without the hummus base.
Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
For a heartier meal that still embraces the goodness of avocados and chickpeas, don’t miss our Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwiches. This recipe transforms smashed chickpeas, creamy avocados, and fresh herbs into a light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying sandwich filling that’s perfect for lunch.
(Once again, our sincere gratitude to the California Avocado Commission for their support and for making delicious recipes like this possible!)
For even more mouthwatering and healthy ideas, be sure to follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter. Let’s create deliciousness together!