I don’t agree with the idea that cauliflower can replace everything, but when it comes to cauliflower hummus, it’s the perfect alternative! Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas, but what most don’t know is that cauliflower hummus is just as delicious!
It tastes nearly identical to traditional hummus, but offers a great alternative to those avoiding or limiting legumes. No matter what your diet, if you love hummus, this recipe is for you!
WHAT IS HUMMUS?
Hummus is a dip popular in the Middle Eastern, that is traditionally made from mashed chickpeas and tahini, often featuring spices like garlic and lemon. It’s often eaten with pita bread, vegetables, crackers, and much more!
My Cauliflower Hummus recipe offers similar spices and flavors, but the key ingredient is cauliflower instead of chickpeas! I was first inspired by a cauliflower hummus I found in the fresh section of Whole Foods when looking for a quick snack. I was out of town, without my kitchen, and desperate for something homemade. Although I was skeptical at first, after diving in, I couldn’t even decipher between the traditional, and cauliflower hummus! They were nearly identical in flavor and appearance, and I just knew I had to make my own version at home.
CAULIFLOWER HUMMUS
Like mentioned above, my cauliflower hummus offers similar ingredients to traditional hummus, with a few renditions to make it totally gut-friendly. So what are these ingredients?
CAULIFLOWER
Like mentioned above, cauliflower is the main ingredient in this recipe, and replaces the chickpeas. It’s a great neutral, creamy base, allowing you to taste all of the flavors and spices that make hummus so savory and delicious.
TAHINI
Tahini has a nutty, earthy, bitter flavor, and is delicious in both savory, and sweet dishes! Although not a flavor that’s great on it’s own, it adds a unique richness to hummus that you just can’t get from anything else.
LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice gives hummus the fresh, mild citrus flavor that makes it so unique. A couple of tbsp is all you need for this subtle, but necessary addition!
HIMALAYAN PINK SALT
I love Himalayan Pink Salt, because not only is full of minerals, and unlike regular table salt, does not cause water retention. It’s a win win!
CUMIN
With only a little over a tsp, cumin gives hummus a pleasant, mildly spicy bite, without including any nightshades. Although a small amount, it’s an essential component to this recipe.
GARLIC
Garlic is not only a delicious alternative to most savory dishes, but also has been studied for its many benefits, such as helping to reduce inflammation, possibly reducing high blood pressure, and much more.
OLIVE OIL
Due to its smoke point of only 410º f, we only use olive oil cold in this recipe. However, when unheated, olive oil offers numerous benefits, and is incredibly healthy! It’s also a large component of what gives hummus its Mediterranean flavor.
WAYS TO ENJOY HUMMUS
Hummus is delicious as a dip with crackers, bread, or veggies, but it an also be used in many other ways!
TOAST
The only thing better than toast, is toast with hummus! Whether gluten or grain-free, it’s such a filling, savory snack.
NOURISH BOWLS
Hummus is a great way to spruce up any nourish bowl. Just add 1/4 cup to any side of the bowl, and you’ve got the perfect alternative (or compliment) to dressing!
SANDWICHES/WRAPS
Looking for a mayonnaise replacement? Why not try hummus! We promise, you won’t regret it.
SALADS
Whether lightened up with a little extra olive oil and used as a dressing, or mixed in with the greens, hummus is the perfect addition to any salad! Click here for our salad section!
CRACKER OPTIONS
Like mentioned above, hummus is incredibly versatile, and add a delicious addition to many different foods. However, with hummus most often being used as a dip, here are our favorite cracker brands!
HU
We love these crackers, because they’re truly made with the most pure, delicious ingredients! They have many different options for flavors, and are a great choice for hummus. Find their crackers here.
SIMPLE MILLS
Simple Mills uses whole foods ingredients, and operates off the promise: “Nothing artificial, ever!” Find their crackers here.
MARY’S GONE CRACKERS
Mary’s Gone Crackers are loaded with nutrient-dense seeds, and are a delicious way to scoop up hummus. Find their crackers here.
Whether you avoid legumes, or are just looking to get in a few extra veggies during the day, you’ve got to try this hummus recipe! Okay, let’s get into the details.
Kitchen Favorites
Cauliflower Hummus
Ingredients
HUMMUS
- 20 oz cauliflower florets (aprox. 2.5 cups)
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1.5 garlic cloves
- 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cumin (can add 1/8 tsp at a time until desired spice is reached)
- 3/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
AVOCADO OIL COATING
- 1/4 Cup Avocado Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 425º f, and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- While waiting for the oven to preheat, mix together all ingredients for the coating.
- Lay out cauliflower, and drizzle in avocado oil coating.
- Roast in oven for 30-35 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender, and crisp.
- Once finished, remove from oven, and allow to cool.
- Place all remaining ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
- Refrigerate, and enjoy with chips, bread, veggies, or more!
Last Step! If you loved our recipe, leave us a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!
kas
Friday 19th of January 2024
Can frozen riced store-bought cauliflower be used instead of fresh?
Madison Suttles
Friday 19th of January 2024
Hi Kas,
Yes! As long as it's steamed, frozen or fresh cauliflower, riced or florets can be used!
I hope this helps, Madison