Creamy & Delicious SunButter Hummus: The Ultimate Tahini-Free, Nut-Free Recipe

This savory hummus, made incredibly creamy with sunflower seed butter instead of traditional tahini, is a game-changer for your snacking routine. Perfect with fresh-cut veggies, crunchy crackers, or even a side of fruit.

Summer is in full swing, bringing with it both delightful sunshine and the occasional unexpected downpour. This year, my Fourth of July plans for fireworks over Virginia vineyards were dampened by rain, but that’s perfectly fine! I still embraced the festive spirit, donning my favorite starry tee and enjoying the Macy’s fireworks show from the comfort of my home with a glass of Rosé.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with daily thunderstorms and the unique stress of preparing our home for an upcoming move. If you’ve ever had to show your place to prospective buyers, you know the drill: a constant state of tidiness, wiping away any trace of everyday life. My worn socks, my yoga mat, even my toothbrush—all quickly disappear before each viewing, leaving our home feeling more like a pristine, untouched museum.

This “living in a museum” extends to the kitchen, making it challenging for a food blogger like me to whip up elaborate meals. That’s where this incredible Sunny SunButter Hummus has truly been a lifesaver. It’s my secret weapon for staying energized and nourished between showings, providing a quick, protein-packed, and nutrient-rich snack. A spoonful of this creamy delight, paired with crisp veggies, keeps me fueled and focused, even on the busiest days.

You are absolutely going to adore this variation of savory hummus. Its remarkable creaminess comes from a secret ingredient that sets it apart from traditional recipes: sunflower seed butter. Not only does it deliver an exceptionally smooth texture, but it also offers a fantastic nut-free alternative, making this hummus accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Get ready to brighten your summer snacking, rain or shine, with this vibrant and delicious dip!

Essential Ingredients for Your Sunny SunButter Hummus

It’s hard to imagine my diet without hummus. For me, it has always been a reliable staple, especially when a savory craving strikes and nothing sweet will do. If only my younger self, little Lauren, had known what she was missing!

The beauty of this Sunny SunButter Hummus lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry:

• **Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas):** The foundational ingredient for any hummus, providing a rich, earthy base and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• **SunButter (Creamy Sunflower Seed Butter):** This is the star ingredient that replaces tahini, offering unparalleled creaminess and a delicious, subtly roasted flavor while keeping the recipe completely nut-free.
• **Fresh Lemon Juice:** Essential for brightening the flavors and adding a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the chickpeas and SunButter.
• **Himalayan Sea Salt:** To enhance all the natural flavors and bring a perfect balance to the dip.
• **Garlic Powder:** For a mellow yet distinct garlic aroma and taste that complements the savory notes. You can also use fresh garlic cloves for a more pungent flavor.
• **Avocado Oil (Optional):** A spoonful of cold-pressed avocado oil can be added for an extra layer of silkiness, though it can be omitted for an oil-free version without compromising much on texture.
• **Fresh Parsley (Optional for Topping):** Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note when served.

That’s truly all it takes to create this unbelievably delicious and healthy dip. With such simple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor and the luxurious texture you can achieve.

Effortless Preparation: How to Make Sunny SunButter Hummus

One of the best aspects of this Sunny SunButter Hummus recipe is its incredible ease of preparation. Whether you prefer a blender or a food processor, you’ll have a batch of smooth, creamy hummus ready in minutes. It’s so straightforward, even kitchen novices can achieve perfect results.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** Start by adding the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans, creamy SunButter, fresh lemon juice, Himalayan sea salt, garlic powder, and the optional avocado oil to your blender or food processor.
2. **Blend to Perfection:** Process all the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to pause and scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or additional lemon juice, blending until your desired texture is reached. The goal is a luscious, spreadable dip with no grainy bits.
3. **Serve and Garnish:** Once blended to perfection, transfer your hummus to a stylish serving bowl. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with optional fresh parsley or any other herb you love, such as cilantro or dill.
4. **Enjoy Your Way:** This versatile hummus pairs beautifully with an array of dippers. Think crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, your favorite crackers, warm pita bread, sturdy tortilla chips, or even apple slices for a sweet and savory combo. Let your heart guide you – the possibilities are endless!
5. **Store for Later:** Should you have any glorious leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Your Sunny SunButter Hummus will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping and healthy snacking throughout the week.

Making homemade hummus has never been easier or more rewarding. You’ll love the fresh taste and the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your snack.

The Magic of Adding SunButter to Your Hummus

What truly makes this hummus recipe stand out is the innovative use of sunflower seed butter, specifically SunButter, as a primary ingredient. Traditionally, hummus gets its characteristic creaminess from tahini (sesame paste) or sometimes a generous amount of olive oil. However, by replacing these with SunButter, we unlock a new level of flavor and texture, along with significant dietary advantages.

SunButter offers an unparalleled smoothness that blends seamlessly with chickpeas, creating a dip that is luxuriously creamy without needing excessive amounts of oil. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their oil intake or simply enjoy a lighter, yet equally satisfying, hummus.

**Why SunButter is the Perfect Tahini Alternative:**

• **Nut-Free and Allergy-Friendly:** For individuals with nut allergies, traditional hummus made with tahini can sometimes be problematic due to cross-contamination or simply the desire for a completely nut-free kitchen. SunButter provides a safe, delicious, and nutrient-dense alternative, making this hummus suitable for school lunchboxes, parties, and family gatherings where allergies might be a concern.
• **Rich Nutritional Profile:** A single serving of SunButter boasts an impressive 7 grams of protein, making this hummus an even more potent source of plant-based protein. Beyond protein, it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), B vitamins, magnesium, and selenium. These nutrients contribute to overall well-being, supporting energy levels, immune function, and bone health. In fact, SunButter often contains more vitamins and minerals than many traditional nut butters.
• **Unique Flavor Dimension:** SunButter brings a distinct, subtly roasted, and earthy flavor profile that complements the chickpeas beautifully. It offers a delightful departure from the conventional tahini taste, adding a fun and inviting twist to your hummus experience. The “sunny” flavor truly shines through, making it incredibly appealing.
• **Exceptional Creaminess:** The natural richness of sunflower seeds, when processed into a smooth butter, contributes an incredible velvety texture that effortlessly emulsifies with the other ingredients, resulting in a perfectly smooth dip every time. For an even more indulgent texture, you can add an optional spoonful of cold-pressed avocado oil, or omit it entirely for an oil-free option that’s still wonderfully creamy.

You’re going to be delighted by how well SunButter integrates into this classic dip, transforming it into a vibrant, healthy, and delightfully smooth spread that everyone can enjoy. It’s a surprisingly simple swap that yields extraordinary results!

Creative Swaps and Flavorful Substitutions for Your Hummus

This Sunny SunButter Hummus recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring you can whip it up quickly and without any fuss. The core flavors are bright and balanced: fresh lemon provides a zesty lift, while garlic adds a comforting depth. However, the true fun begins when you start to customize it!

While the basic recipe is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to make this hummus truly your own:

• **Spice It Up:** If you appreciate a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth, or a dash of red pepper flakes for more pronounced heat. For a smoky depth, smoked paprika is an excellent choice, while ground cumin can introduce an earthy, exotic note that pairs wonderfully with chickpeas. Don’t be shy to experiment with other spices like turmeric for color and a mild, peppery flavor, or a touch of coriander.
• **Herbal Enhancements:** Beyond parsley, which adds a fresh, clean finish, experiment with other minced fresh herbs. Cilantro offers a bright, citrusy aroma that many adore, while a sprinkle of fresh dill can bring a lovely herbaceous lightness. Even a touch of fresh mint or chives could create an unexpectedly delightful flavor profile.
• **Boost the Umami:** For an extra layer of savory richness, consider blending in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. This not only enhances the “cheesy” flavor but also adds a boost of B vitamins.
• **Roasted Goodness:** Instead of garlic powder, try roasting a few cloves of garlic until soft and caramelized before blending them into the hummus. This provides a sweeter, milder garlic flavor that is incredibly sophisticated.
• **Citrus Zing:** If you love a bright, tangy flavor, consider adding a little zest from your lemon along with the juice. A microplane can help you achieve fine zest that will infuse the hummus with intense citrus notes.
• **Textural Play:** For a chunkier hummus, blend less thoroughly, leaving some small pieces of chickpeas. Alternatively, for a truly silky-smooth dip, you can even peel the chickpeas before blending, though this is optional and not necessary for this recipe’s inherent creaminess.

Don’t hesitate to play around with these suggestions until you find your perfect blend. Enjoy the process of creating a dip that perfectly matches your taste!

Versatile Ways to Serve Your Sunny SunButter Hummus

The beauty of this Sunny SunButter Hummus isn’t just in its taste and ease of preparation, but also in its incredible versatility. It’s the perfect dip to prepare in advance, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep. I often blend a batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the entire week.

Here are countless ways to enjoy this vibrant, creamy dip:

• **The Classic Dip:** This is my absolute favorite way to serve it! Pair it with an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables like carrot sticks, celery stalks, cucumber slices, colorful bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or even radishes. It’s also fantastic with crunchy pita chips, artisan crackers (gluten-free options work wonderfully), hearty bread, or even pretzels for a salty contrast.
• **Unexpectedly Delightful with Fruit:** Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! The savory notes of this hummus surprisingly complement certain fruits. Think crisp apple slices or pear wedges for a unique sweet and savory snacking experience.
• **Elevate Your Sandwiches and Wraps:** Move beyond plain spreads! Slather a generous layer of SunButter hummus on your sandwiches, wraps, and bagels. It adds moisture, flavor, and a significant protein boost. Try it with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, falafel, or simply fresh greens and tomato for a satisfying meal.
• **Toast Topping Perfection:** Transform your morning toast or avocado toast into something extraordinary. A thick spread of hummus under or over your avocado, topped with everything bagel seasoning or red pepper flakes, is a gourmet start to any day.
• **Incredible in Grain Bowls and Salads:** Use this hummus as a creamy base or a dollop of flavor in your favorite Buddha bowls or grain bowls. It binds ingredients together and adds a rich texture. You can also thin it slightly with a little extra lemon juice or water to create a vibrant, creamy salad dressing.
• **Deconstructed Mezze Platter:** Create an impressive appetizer platter by spreading the hummus on a large dish, drizzling with a touch of olive oil (if using), sprinkling with sunflower seeds and fresh herbs, and arranging olives, pickled vegetables, and warm pita bread around it.

This hummus keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least seven days. So, feel free to share any leftovers (if there are any!) with your family, kids, officemates, besties, and better halves. The more you share, the more excuse you have to whip up another blender-full for next week! Enjoy every creamy, sunny bite!

Explore More Hummus Recipes

• Spicy Black Bean Hummus

• Date-Sweetened Dark Chocolate Hummus

• Easy Beet Hummus

• The Best Oil-Free Hummus

• Raw Carrot Hummus

• Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Hummus (Oil-Free!)

• 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Hummus

I Want to Hear From You

If you make this Sunny SunButter Hummus recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about it!

Please be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can use your valuable feedback to create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy.

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to share your beautiful creations. I can’t wait to see them!

Also, check out my Pinterest page to pin more amazing recipes like this one, ensuring you can easily find them to make later.

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by SunButter, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!