If you’re on the hunt for a dip that’s smooth, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I love to whip up when guests drop by or when I just want a little taste of something fresh and satisfying. The rich creaminess of the hummus combined with the herby punch of pesto makes this dip seriously irresistible—plus, it’s super simple to pull together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Creamy: The blend of tahini and olive oil gives it that silky smooth texture every hummus fan craves.
Flavor-Packed: With fresh basil pesto folded in, it’s a herbaceous twist that brightens up your usual hummus game.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for dipping, spreading, or even as a salad topper—you’ll find it’s crazy adaptable.
Simple & Quick: Ready in under 10 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, ideal for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.

Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are staples in my kitchen, and they come together beautifully here—each one bringing something unique to the party. Just a heads-up: reserve some chickpea liquid before blending because it’s the secret to that perfect creamy consistency.

Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe - Ingredients

Chickpeas: Make sure to drain your can but save a few whole chickpeas for garnish—they add a lovely touch on top.
Tahini Sesame Paste: This adds that classic hummus nuttiness and richness; fresh tahini always makes a difference.
Basil Pesto: Use a good-quality pesto or homemade if you can—this is where your dip gets its bright, herby kick.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds silkiness to the dip and extra depth of flavor; a drizzle on top is always a good move.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Lemon juice keeps the dip lively and balances all the creamy richness perfectly.
Garlic: Roughly chopped to blend smoothly — I love how it wakes up the whole flavor profile here.
Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together—don’t skimp on this!
Roasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish, they add both texture and a subtle toasted flavor boost.

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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 making this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe my own by sometimes swapping in sun-dried tomato pesto or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. Feel free to get creative—honestly, it’s impossible to mess this one up!

Vegan Version: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can experiment with different nut pestos like walnut or cashew for a unique spin I tried recently and totally enjoyed.
Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of cayenne powder or red pepper flakes amps up the heat—a favorite twist when I want something bolder.
Herb Swap: Replace basil pesto with cilantro or mint for a fresh, seasonal flair that changes the whole vibe of the dip.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by draining your chickpeas, but don’t toss out that liquid! Reserve about 5 tablespoons—it’s pure gold for making this dip perfectly creamy without extra oil. Roughly chop the garlic so it blends easily. Measure out your tahini, pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice to have everything ready for a quick blend.

Step 2: Blend It Up

Throw the chickpeas, reserved liquid, pesto, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt into your food processor or blender. Pulse everything together until the texture is ultra smooth and creamy—that usually takes about a minute but keep an eye on your machine. Scrape down the sides if needed so everything blends evenly. If it feels too thick, add a bit more chickpea liquid or olive oil until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish Like a Pro

Pour your beautiful creamy pesto hummus into a serving bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for that gorgeous sheen. Then sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds, place a few reserved whole chickpeas, and add dollops of extra pesto for a pop of color and flavor. It looks stunning and tastes even better!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

Reserve Chickpea Water: I learned that saving just a little of the chickpea liquid helps the hummus blend silky smooth without thinning the flavor.
Use Fresh Pesto: Freshly made or a high-quality store-bought pesto really lifts this dip beyond the standard hummus in my experience.
Pulse, Don’t Overblend: Overblending can warm the dip and change the texture—pulse in short bursts for the creamiest results.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding those reserved chickpeas and roasted sesame seeds on top adds texture and visual wow that your guests will notice.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe

Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I swear by a combo of roasted sesame seeds, reserved whole chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, and a small spoonful of pesto on top. Not only does it make the dip look gorgeous, but it adds little bursts of toasted nuttiness and fresh herbs with each bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides to scoop up this creamy pesto hummus are sourdough crackers, warm pita bread, naan flatbread, or crunchy veggies like carrots and cucumber sticks. It pairs so well with pretty much anything you want to dip, and I love that it’s perfect for both gluten-free and grain-loving eaters.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this dip in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or a rustic wooden bowl surrounded by vibrant veggie sticks and artisan breads. It always becomes a centerpiece, and guests love how fresh and inviting it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy pesto hummus dip in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 7-10 days. I recommend smoothing the top and drizzling a little olive oil before sealing to help keep the dip fresh and prevent drying out.

Freezing

Although I generally prefer fresh hummus, this dip freezes okay in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When thawing, I let it defrost overnight in the fridge and then give it a good stir before serving. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious!

Reheating

I usually enjoy this dip cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it slightly, just leave it out for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can separate the oils and change the taste. Just a gentle warming brings out those pesto flavors beautifully without compromising creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe without a food processor?

While a food processor or blender is ideal for getting that smooth, creamy texture, you can use a high-speed blender or even mash the chickpeas by hand with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the pesto and other ingredients. It won’t be as smooth but will still taste delicious.
What kind of pesto should I use?

I recommend classic basil pesto—either homemade or store-bought. Freshly made pesto with good quality olive oil and fresh basil makes the biggest flavor difference. Feel free to try other pesto types like sun-dried tomato or arugula-based if you want to mix things up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The creamy pesto hummus dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free dippers like veggies, gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free pita to keep your snack completely gluten-free.
How long does this dip last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps fresh and tasty for up to 7-10 days. Always give it a sniff before eating to make sure it’s still good, especially if it’s been stored longer.
Can I adjust the garlic amount?

Absolutely! If you’re sensitive to garlic or cooking for kids, start with half a clove and add more next time if you want a bolder garlic punch. The dip is very forgiving, so don’t hesitate to tweak.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Hummus Dip Recipe has become one of those effortless favorites I turn to when I want something tasty but not complicated. I love how the pesto brightens the traditional hummus and makes it feel a little special every time. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a healthy snack, I really encourage you to try this out—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and, honestly, the perfect little dip to keep in your fridge for those “I need a quick bite” moments.