If you’re someone who loves a rich, flavorful dip that’s both refreshing and satisfying, you’ve got to try this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe. I absolutely love how it brings together the classic creaminess of hummus with the vibrant, herby punch of pesto. It’s so smooth and packed with flavor, I find myself reaching for it more often than any other dip in my fridge. Keep reading, because I’ll walk you through every step and share my best tips to nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Texture: Thanks to the tahini and reserved chickpea liquid, this hummus blends into an unbelievably smooth dip every time.
Burst of Fresh Herb Flavor: The basil pesto adds a bright, fragrant twist that elevates classic hummus to a new level.
Simple and Quick to Make: With just one blender or food processor step, you’ll have this in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Versatile Snack or Spread: Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or serving it alongside meals, this dip fits virtually any occasion.

A white shallow bowl holds a creamy, light green hummus spread evenly as the base layer. On top of the hummus, there is a ring of dark green chopped herbs with a slightly chunky texture, mixed with whole light beige chickpeas scattered around. In the center, the hummus is shaped into a small swirl filled with a drizzle of golden olive oil pooling slightly. A woman's hand is dipping a round, light beige cracker with small brown spots into the hummus near the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip, pesto hummus dip, easy hummus recipes, healthy appetizer dips, flavorful dip recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to balance creaminess, herbaceousness, and a subtle nuttiness. When shopping, I always pick a vibrant, fresh basil pesto and quality tahini for the best flavor. I’ve found reserving a bit of the chickpea liquid really helps get that perfect creamy texture, so don’t toss it out!

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh, plump chickpeas, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy tahini sesame paste, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant green basil pesto, a small white ceramic bowl of golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow freshly squeezed lemon juice, one large uncracked brown garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of toasted sesame seeds, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip, pesto hummus dip, easy hummus recipes, healthy appetizer dips, flavorful dip recipes

Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work great and save time; just keep some of the liquid for blending.
Tahini Sesame Paste: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create that silky hummus consistency.
Basil Pesto: This is where the magic happens—fresh basil pesto brings vibrant color and zesty herbal notes.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Boosts creaminess and adds a subtle fruity undertone; drizzle some on top for prettiness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness and a slight tang that balances the richness.
Garlic: Just one clove packs a punch without overwhelming the dip.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; start small and adjust to taste.
Roasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Adds a toasty crunch and beautiful finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to personalize this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe depending on my mood or what ingredients I have on hand. Experimenting with add-ins can keep it fresh and exciting, so don’t be shy to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: I once added a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the blend, and my family went crazy for the subtle heat.
Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, swap the pesto for a sun-dried tomato pesto or a pure herb blend—it’s still amazing.
Green Power Boost: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale before blending for an extra dose of greens and a deeper color.
Vegan Parmesan Twist: Mix in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, which my vegan friends really appreciate.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start, measure out everything and drain your chickpeas, carefully reserving about 5 tablespoons of that chickpea liquid—that’s the secret to creamy texture. Roughly chop the garlic so it blends evenly without leaving big chunks. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and frustration-free.

Step 2: Blend Until Amazingly Smooth

Pop the chickpeas, reserved liquid, basil pesto, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt into your food processor or blender. Pulse it a few times to get things going, then blend continuously until it’s silky smooth and creamy. If you find it too thick, I usually add a tiny splash more of that reserved chickpea liquid or a bit more olive oil. Patience here pays off—blend long enough to avoid grainy texture and to get that perfect spreadable dip.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the hummus to a pretty serving bowl, then drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top for that glossy look. I love sprinkling roasted sesame seeds and reserving a few chickpeas to scatter on top. For a pop of color and that pesto punch, add a few spoonfuls of basil pesto right over the surface. Your guests will think you spent hours on it!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

Reserve Chickpea Liquid: I learned this trick because my hummus was often too thick; the liquid keeps it perfectly creamy without watering down flavor.
Pulse Before Blending: Pulsing first breaks down ingredients gently, helping you avoid lumps or uneven texture in your hummus.
Taste and Adjust: I always taste before serving—sometimes a bit more lemon juice or salt really brightens the whole dip.
Serve at Room Temperature: I skip the fridge just before serving; this way, those delicious flavors really shine and the texture stays luxuriously soft.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

A white plate holds a smooth green hummus spread in a thick swirl covering most of the plate, topped with a glossy layer of yellow olive oil pooling in the middle and around the edges. On top of the hummus and olive oil, there are scattered whole beige chickpeas and creamy beige pine nuts. There are also dark green dollops of a chunky pesto sauce placed in a circular pattern on the hummus. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip, pesto hummus dip, easy hummus recipes, healthy appetizer dips, flavorful dip recipes

Garnishes

I like to dress mine up with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds for crunch. Adding a few reserved chickpeas and a little extra dollop of basil pesto on top gives it a beautiful, tantalizing look—and your guests will notice the attention to detail.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs perfectly with crispy sourdough crackers, warm pita bread, or fluffy naan flatbread. For something lighter, I love serving it alongside an assortment of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, baby carrots, and red bell pepper strips. It’s one of my go-to healthy snacks that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Recently, I tried serving this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe in mini glass jars topped with microgreens for a casual brunch party. It was a hit! You can also swirl the dip into a pretty bowl and sprinkle with edible flowers or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet touch on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover pesto hummus in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days. I find giving it a gentle stir before serving freshens up the texture, especially if it’s been sitting a day or two.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this hummus a couple of times with good results. Just portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture might firm up slightly, so I recommend stirring in a little olive oil or reserved chickpea liquid once thawed to get back that creamy consistency.

Reheating

Since this is best served cool or at room temperature, I usually just let leftovers sit out for 20 minutes before eating. If you want to warm it slightly, use gentle warming just to take the chill off—too hot and it can lose some of the fresh basil flavor.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pesto for this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto works wonderfully and lets you control the flavor intensity and freshness. If your pesto is on the thicker side, you might want to add a bit more reserved chickpea liquid to keep the hummus nice and creamy.
Is this dip suitable for vegans?

Yes! This recipe is completely vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and pesto (just make sure your store-bought pesto is free from cheese or other animal products).
How can I make this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe less garlicky?

If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, simply reduce the garlic clove to half or use roasted garlic, which is much softer and sweeter than raw.
Can I make this dip oil-free?

You can skip or reduce the olive oil, but understand it will affect the creaminess and richness. To compensate, try adding a bit more tahini or reserved chickpea liquid, though the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same.
What’s the best way to get ultra-smooth hummus texture?

My best advice is to blend thoroughly, add reserved chickpea juice little by little, and don’t rush the process. Also, peeling the chickpeas before blending will help, though it’s optional and time-consuming—blending well usually does the trick.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my kitchen and always earns compliments whenever I serve it. The blend of creamy tahini, tangy lemon, and fresh basil pesto just hits the spot every time. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or an elegant appetizer, this dip feels special without any fuss. Give it a shot, and I promise you’ll find it going straight to the top of your favorite dip list.