Hummus Layer Dip

Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies.   A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies, a healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

When you think about Super Bowl, healthy food doesn’t usually come to mind.  Wings, sliders, mini-hot dogs, spinach artichoke dip and cheese fries…diet disaster!  Try keeping it on the lighter side this year by including a few appetizers that are both delicious and guilt free!

I know this recipe isn’t all that original, but it is a tried and true crowd pleaser!  I made this recipe from Allrecipes.com before and it was loved by all.  This time around, I upped the veggie content by adding romaine lettuce and roasted red peppers.

 Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

Hummus Layer Dip
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 4 oz vegan cream cheese (or your favorite brand of cream cheese)
  • 10 oz tub of hummus (or homemade hummus)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasonings
  • 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup roasted red peppers, diced
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Option: Add an additional layer of hummus to create a "glue," which will hold the dip together better! If you do, blend 8 oz. of vegan cream cheese, two 10 oz tubs of hummus, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasonings.
    Instructions
    1. Add vegan cream cheese, hummus, lemon juice and Italian seasonings to a food processor and pulse until well combined. Spread on bottom of a glass trifle bowl or deep pie plate.
    2. Layer with remaining ingredients, add sesame seeds as a garnish.
    3. Serve with pita chips and cucumbers slices.
    4. Enjoy!

     Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

     For a gluten-free alternative, serve with sliced cucumbers!

    Update:  A reader suggested to add another layer of hummus to hold the dip together better and I totally agree with her!  And, while it sure does look pretty layered in a trifle bowl, it’s a little hard to scoop out with a chip.  Provide a serving spoon along side or arrange dip in a long, shallow cooking dish.

    Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

    Helpful Hint:  Don’t show up to a party hungry!  This will only lead to over-eating and making unhealthy choices!  Instead, eat a protein packed, veggie filled meal before you arrive.  The fiber and protein will help to keep you full all evening long!  When at a party, munch on healthier choices such as veggie sticks, cut fruit, whole grain crackers and hummus.  Choose the items you want to indulge in and keep portion sizes to a minimum…think appetizer plate size, not supersize portions.  Bring a healthy dish with you so you know there will be something available for you to fill up on.  Also, stay hydrated!  Dehydration often masks itself as hunger.  Remember to drink water or sparkling water in between alcoholic beverages.

    avocado and arugula white bean hummus

    Avocado and Arugula White Bean Hummus

    Avocado and Arugula White Bean Hummus ~vegan, gluten free~

    I love using white beans instead of chickpeas for hummus, they create a much smoother and lighter texture!  This hummus can be served with crackers, but would make an excellent spread on a grilled veggie sandwich!

    After doing some research on bone health, I stumbled across the importance of beans (especially white beans) for bone integrity.  This recipe which incorporates white beans and arugula (also good for bone health!) is a winning combo providing calcium, magnesium and vitamin K.

    Avocado and Arugula White Bean Hummus ~vegan, gluten free~

    avocado and arugula white bean hummus
     
    Prep time
    Total time
     
    Avocado and Arugula White Bean Hummus Makes around 2 cups
    Author:
    Recipe type: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Serves: 2 cups
    Ingredients
    • ½ avocado
    • 1 cup arugula, packed
    • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
    • ½ lemon, juiced
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • sea salt and pepper to taste
    Instructions
    1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with gluten free crackers and enjoy!

    Avocado and Arugula White Bean Hummus ~vegan, gluten free~

     I used toasted pine nuts, but you can substitute walnuts or almonds!  Same goes for the arugula, feel free to use baby spinach or kale instead!  You pretty much can’t mess up this recipe!  Simply adjust the flavor with fresh lemon juice, garlic, sea salt and pepper to please your taste buds!

    curried sweet potato hummus

    Sweet Potatoes are a budget friendly way to get your daily dose of goodness!  They come packed with an abundance of potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin E and C.

    curried sweet potato hummus5

    Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by ridding the body of excess sodium and regulating the heartbeat.  It is also an electrolyte, which maintains fluid balance in the body.

    Beta-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs cells.  It is great for vision health and may prevent macular degeneration.

    The vitamin E and C are responsible for the sweet potato’s title of “beauty food” making for glowing skin and vibrant hair.

    We’ve been really enjoying this version of sweet potato hummus!  Hummus is a great addition to a meal secondary to its high protein and fiber content.  It’s a nice alternative to plain hummus!

     curried sweet potato hummus1

    Curried Sweet Potato Hummus

    2 sweet potatoes

    1 can chickpeas, rinsed

    5 tablespoons tahini

    1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

    1 teaspoon curry powder (more if you like a strong curry flavor)

    ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt

    juice from ½ lemon

    water

    Peel and cube sweet potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and sea salt.

    Place in a 375 oven for 45-60 minutes (or until tender).

    When cooled, blend sweet potatoes in a food processor adding a tablespoon of water at a time until a smooth consistency is achieved.

    Add chickpeas, curry powder, lemon juice, tahini, sesame oil and sea salt.  Blend until smooth, slowly adding water as needed.

     curried sweet potato hummus4

    Great for dipping with vegetable sticks or try making collard wraps!

     curried sweet potato hummus

    De-stem a large collard leaf, place a couple tablespoons of hummus in the center, add sliced veggies such cucumbers, peppers and carrots.  Roll like a tortilla wrap and Enjoy!

     collard wraps, curried sweet potato hummus

    It’s been a hit with Noah too!  He’s been eating it for breakfast, right off the spoon!

    curried sweet potato hummus2