Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Homemade Hummus (Creamy, Classic & Mediterranean Diet Friendly)

Sarah Smith
Dec 22, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A vibrant spread of hummus with garnishes, tabbouleh, grape leaves, olives, cucumbers, and artichokes. A hand dips carrots into a bowl.

This Homemade Hummus is smooth, creamy, and full of classic Mediterranean flavor. Made with chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, it’s a simple recipe that tastes fresher and better than store-bought. Perfect as a dip, spread, or mezze staple, this hummus comes together in minutes with pantry ingredients.

Serve it as part of a Mediterranean spread with Cucumber Tomato Olive Salad with Lemon Dressing, alongside warm pita and veggies, or pair it with mains like Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls or Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Garlic & Lemon. It’s also a must-have addition to a Mediterranean mezze platter and works beautifully as a light, nourishing snack.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, smooth hummus with rich tahini flavor
Simple ingredients blended into a fresh, homemade dip
Better texture and flavor than store-bought
Perfect for pita, vegetables, bowls, or wraps

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: None Total Time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 (about 2 cups)

Nutrition Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

Calories: 160–180 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Total Fat: 9–11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Carbohydrates: 14–16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 1 g
Sodium: 220–260 mg

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup tahini
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1–2 cloves garlic
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
2–4 tbsp cold water (as needed for creaminess)

Optional toppings: paprika, chopped parsley, whole chickpeas, drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Blend base: Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt to a food processor. Blend until thick and paste-like.
Cream it out: With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and creamy.
Adjust: Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.
Serve: Transfer to a bowl, swirl the top, and finish with olive oil and toppings.

Tips & Variations

Ultra-creamy hummus: Peel chickpeas before blending or blend longer with ice-cold water.
Roasted garlic hummus: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter flavor.
Flavor twists: Add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.
No tahini? Substitute with Greek yogurt or extra olive oil (flavor will change slightly).

FAQ

Is homemade hummus Mediterranean Diet approved?

Yes. Chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, and lemon are staples of Mediterranean-style eating.

How long does hummus last in the fridge?

Up to 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make hummus without a food processor?

A high-powered blender works best, but an immersion blender can be used with extra liquid.

Is hummus vegan and gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Hummus is one of those simple recipes that earns a permanent spot in your fridge. Creamy, versatile, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, or building out a Mediterranean-style meal any day of the week.