This hummus platter is the perfect lunch, dinner, appetizer or snack! It is packed with protein, veggies and is delicious paired with pita bread. This platter elevates your classic hummus dip by adding tender ground beef and fresh crunchy veggies. I love making this platter with homemade hummus because it tastes so fresh. I use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil in my creamy homemade hummus. Store bought hummus can also be used for this recipe to make it quicker! This is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time for a party. This platter is also naturally gluten free and dairy free!
What Is Hummus?
If you are not familiar with hummus, it is typically made of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Hummus originated in the Middle East. It has several nutritional benefits and makes for a great snack or meal addition. The flavor options are endless and can include roasted red pepper, garlic, spinach and more! Hummus is a great option for people who are gluten free, vegan or vegetarian. Hummus does contain sesame because tahini contains sesame. Personally, I am allergic to sesame. Prior to developing a sesame allergy, I was OBSESSED with hummus. I loved eating it as a snack with carrots or pretzels. Sadly, if you have a sesame allergy it is impossible to find pre-made hummus that is safe. This is one of the reasons I have grown to love making my own hummus and experimenting with fun hummus platters!
Why You’ll Love This Hummus Platter
It’s a great way to elevate classic hummus!
It’s kid-friendly.
This hummus platter is easily made gluten free and dairy free!
It can be made allergy-friendly.
This hummus platter makes a delicious lunch, dinner or snack.
This platter is great to bring to a party.
It’s packed with protein and delicious flavors!
Equipment Needed
All you need for this recipe is a platter, knife and a cutting board. If you are making your own hummus, follow this recipe here.
Ingredients Needed
Hummus: I love making fresh, homemade hummus for this, but using store bought hummus makes this a super quick lunch, dinner, snack or appetizer that you can throw together in just a few minutes! Hummus is an amazing, high-protein food.
Ground Beef: I used ground beef to top my hummus. I like to focus on high-quality meat whenever possible. My favorite place to get my meat is ButcherBox because they have organic and high-quality options and it gets delivered right to your door!
Red Onion: Red onion provides a satisfying crunch when used as a raw garnish or topping. It is also packed with nutrients and a great source of quercetin.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small and sweet, making them an amazing addition to this hummus platter. You can serve them whole or halved and their bright red color adds a pop of freshness to the dish. Grape tomatoes are small, sweet and less watery. They’re easy to slice in half or use whole as a garnish. Feel free to use either type! You could also use regular tomatoes if you do not have any cherry or grape tomatoes on hand. Any type of tomato would work here from beefsteak to heirloom to roma. When selecting tomatoes, aim for ones that are ripe but not overly soft or mushy.
Cucumber: Cucumbers add a crisp and refreshing texture to this recipe. They bring a sense of freshness to the hummus platter, complementing the creamy and savory nature of the dish. It also adds vibrant green color to the dish. Cucumber can be sliced, diced or cut into sticks, allowing for various presentation options.
Pita: This is a great vessel for enjoying hummus. Its soft texture makes it an ideal vehicle for this recipe. It also provides the perfect texture contrast to the smooth and creamy consistency of the hummus. It is best served warm. If you are gluten free and dairy free, be sure to use gluten free and dairy free pita.
Homemade Versus Store Bought Hummus
I definitely prefer homemade hummus over store bought because I think it tastes so fresh and creamy. As I stated before, I am allergic to sesame, so it is impossible for me to find pre-made hummus that accommodates my allergies. Making homemade hummus is definitely more time consuming and if you are looking to throw together an appetizer or dinner quickly, using pre-made hummus is an amazing option!
Hummus Flavors
There are so many different hummus flavors to choose from as well, whether you are making it homemade or using store bought! Consider mixing it up from the classic hummus and trying other flavors such as roasted red pepper, edamame, roasted garlic, everything spice, cracked pepper, savory pumpkin, black bean and smoky sweet potato. Feel free to get creative with it!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by cooking the ground beef in a pan on the stove on medium heat. Cook until browned.
Step 2: Spread hummus onto the platter and add the cooked ground beef on top.
Step 3: Chop the onion, tomatoes and cucumber and sprinkle over the top.
Step 4: Pair with pita and enjoy!
How To Build A Hummus Platter
Building a visually appealing hummus platter begins with thoughtful selection and arrangement. Start by choosing an attractive and appropriately sized platter or serving board that complements the colors of your ingredients. A large, flat platter with some decorative features can work wonderfully, allowing ample space for creative placement of your components. A wooden board or a ceramic plate often makes for an excellent choice.
Next, consider where to position the hummus as the centerpiece of your platter. Place it in the center, creating a smooth mound that becomes the focal point. This draws attention to the creamy dip and sets the stage for the other elements. Surround the hummus with a variety of vibrant, fresh vegetables such as colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumber slices, and bright cherry tomatoes. Use these veggies to create a visually pleasing border or arrange them in a colorful and symmetrical pattern.
To enhance the platter’s visual appeal, incorporate contrasting elements like olives (both green and black varieties), crumbled feta cheese, and perhaps some falafel balls if desired. These diverse textures and colors not only complement the hummus but also add an enticing variety to the overall presentation. Finally, sprinkle fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or cilantro, over the hummus for a pop of green and drizzle some extra olive oil on top. Serve the hummus platter with warmed pita bread or pita chips arranged neatly on the side, making it convenient for guests to scoop up their favorite combinations. With this approach, your hummus platter becomes not only a delicious spread but also an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion.
Serving Tips
To ensure your hummus platter stays fresh and appetizing, if you are serving it outdoors, keep the platter in a shaded area or use a chilled serving dish to prevent the hummus from becoming too warm. Serve with spoons or small spatulas for guests to scoop hummus easily.
Storage
Feel free to store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe FAQ
What do you put on a hummus platter?
On this hummus platter, I used ground beef, cucumber, tomatoes and onion. I also paired it with pita. Some other options to add to hummus platters can be feta cheese, olives, green onions, parsley and mint!
What is traditionally served with hummus?
Traditionally, hummus is served with pita bread. If you warm up the pita bread, it is even more delicious! You can also serve it with vegetables, crackers and chips!
What are some tips for making a visually appealing hummus platter?
Start with an attractive serving platter or plate. A rustic wooden board, colorful ceramic plate or a sleek modern platter can all work well, depending on the style you’re going for. Place your hummus in the center. Incorporate a variety of colorful ingredients to make the platter visually appealing. I used red onion, cucumber and tomato to add flavor, texture and color, but feel free to add more colors. Mix textures and shapes to add interest. Pair the creamy hummus with crisp vegetables, crunchy crackers and/or soft pita bread. Add contrast by using ingredients with varying textures. Create depth by layering items. Feel free to add garnishes to add additional color and texture. Keep it neat.
BLOOD GLUCOSE RESPONSE
Monitoring your blood glucose response with a CGM can allow you to gain insights into your diet, nutrition, sleep and hormones. I personally track my blood sugar response because I have noticed it corresponds to POTS flares for me. Here is more information on why you should monitor your blood glucose. This is my glucose response to this hummus platter using the Veri CGM to gather data. If you use my link you can get 20% off!
Related Recipes
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Air Fryer Cucumber Salmon Bites
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you make this harvest bowl recipe, I would really appreciate a review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Hummus Platter
Ingredients
- 1 package hummus (or use homemade)
- 1 package ground beef
- 1 container grape tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 package pita (gluten free if needed or make your own)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the ground beef in a pan on the stove on medium heat. Cook until browned.
- Spread hummus onto the platter and add the cooked ground beef on top.
- Chop the onion, tomatoes and cucumber and sprinkle over the top.
- Pair with pita and enjoy!
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