White Bean Hummus

When you eat hummus as often as I do, you have to find ways to switch it up. That’s why I’ve recently begun experimenting with fresh and unique hummus variations including this new White Bean Hummus, that's so good! 

From Avocado Hummus to Black Bean Hummus to Edamame Hummus, I’ve come up with a ton of winners.

As you might have guessed, this is how I came up with the idea of this delicious hummus recipe with white beans. While traditional hummus is made with chickpeas, which require some peeling and prep work. White beans result in an ultra-creamy hummus with any extra bean prep work. 

Combined with lemon juice, tahini, and a delicious blend of spices, this white bean dip is beyond crave-worthy.

White Bean Hummus has become my go-to healthy appetizer or snack. It's great as part of a mezze spread with baba ganoush, tzatziki, pita bread, raw veggies, and lentil salad.

Serve it alongside your choice of veggies, crackers, pita chips, or pretzels. You could also use it to top off a sandwich, salad, or hummus bowl. I’m obsessed!

Key Ingredients

To make this hummus recipe with white beans, you will need a few key ingredients:

• White beans. Feel free to use any variety of white beans here, whether it be cannellini beans, great northern beans, butter beans, or navy beans. Canned beans are great for convenience, but feel free to cook them yourself. Either way works!
• Tahini. This sesame seed paste is a signature hummus ingredient. It is known for having an earthy, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor that works beautifully in this dish.
• Ice-cold water. I’ve found that this is the key to getting that smooth, creamy texture we all know and love. Start with just one tablespoon, then feel free to add more until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
• Herbs and spices. I like to season this white bean dip with a combination of salt, pepper, coriander, onion powder, and cumin. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat.

How to make hummus without tahini?

If you want to make hummus without tahini, there are a few options. The easiest is to simply add some extra olive oil in place of the tahini.

You could also swap in another nut or seed butter like cashew butter, sunflower butter, or almond butter. This will slightly change the flavor.

One last option is to use Greek yogurt instead. This does give the humus a different flavor since it takes on some of the tanginess of the yogurt.

How to Make White Bean Hummus

This hummus is ready in less than 15 minutes and it couldn't be easier to customize the flavor any way you want. Add more garlic, lemon, tahini, or spices to fit your taste buds.

1. Prepare the white beans.

One of the main reasons people make hummus with white beans instead of chickpeas is that they are smoother and creamier without any added prep.

While chickpeas need to be soaked and peeled, white beans are ready right out of the can. Simply rinse them well, then drain, and pat dry. 

2. Blend ingredients in a food processor.

Start by adding the garlic, tahini, and lemon juice to the food processor. This helps ensure the garlic gets broken down and helps add some creaminess to the tahini.

Slowly add in the white beans, salt, and spices. Pulse for at least 3-4 minutes until the beans are fully broken down.

Then slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it looks smooth and creamy.

If you are adding any additional ingredients like roasted red peppers (like in this roasted red pepper hummus), sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or 

3. The secret to perfect hummus - cold water or ice cubes.

The trick to making super smooth and creamy hummus is a couple of ice cubes or tablespoons of cold water.  Add them slowly and continue to pulse until the white bean hummus is ready.

4. Season and serve.

Taste the white bean hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. It may need more salt, lemon juice, or seasoning.

It can be enjoyed right away but is even better after a few hours in the fridge for the flavors to deepen and combine. 

Add any toppings you like! We love topping it with olives, artichokes, harissa, grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, or pine nuts. 

Health Benefits of White Beans

It’s true that white beans are a terrific source of plant-based protein and fiber, but that’s just the beginning of what they can do for your body. According to Healthline, some of the most impressive health benefits of white beans include:

• Promoting a healthy weight. White beans have a high nutrient density and very few calories, making them a great food for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, the protein and fiber found in white beans keep you feeling full for longer, which in turn makes you less likely to overeat.
• Supporting digestion. High-fiber foods like beans support a healthy digestive tract and can promote regular bowel movements.
• Building muscle mass. Especially for those following vegan or vegetarian diets, white beans are a terrific protein source that can help build muscle, transport nutrients, and produce hormones.
• Providing essential nutrients. Aside from being a rich source of both protein and fiber, white beans are packed with vitamins and minerals like folate, magnesium, vitamin B6, copper, iron, and zinc.

Ways to Serve White Bean Hummus

I love this dish because it is unbelievably versatile. You could serve this dish as a dip, salad dressing, sandwich spread, quinoa bowl topping, and more. To get you started, here are some of my favorite ways to serve this dish:

• As a dip. This is a refreshing and delicious dip to throw into your weekly rotation. Pair it with fresh veggies like celery, carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers, or serve it alongside some pita chips. Really, anything works!
• As a salad dressing. This hummus recipe is a fun and healthy way to step up your salad game. Use a dollop of White Bean Hummus to finish off any salad that you’d normally serve with a creamy dressing. (Might I recommend this Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad or this Spinach Salad.)
• On sandwiches. White Bean Hummus is a protein-packed mayo replacement that adds some creamy consistency and incredible flavor to any of your favorite sandwiches and wraps.
• Atop grain bowls. Every good grain bowl could benefit from a dollop of hummus. Try using this dish to top off this Broccoli Grain Bowl or these Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Bowls.
• With charcuterie. A bowl of homemade hummus is a surefire way to enhance your charcuterie board. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, then serve with cured meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies!

How to Store This Dish

One of the greatest things about this hummus with white beans recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to store. In under 10 minutes, you’ve got a dish that can be enjoyed with your favorite snacks and meals throughout the week.

To store leftover hummus, simply transfer it to an airtight storage bag or container. Then, you can store it in one of two ways:

• In the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• In the freezer for up to 3 months.