Crunchy, colorful, and absolutely satisfying, veggie sticks with hummus are one of my go-to snacks. They’re perfect for when I’m craving something fresh yet flavorful. The combination of crisp veggies and creamy hummus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a snack I feel good about indulging in.
What I love most is how versatile this pairing can be. Whether it’s classic carrots and celery or a mix of bell peppers, cucumbers, and even snap peas, the options are endless. Pair them with a homemade hummus that’s bursting with flavor, and you’ve got a snack that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
Veggie Sticks With Hummus Recipes
Veggie sticks with hummus are one of my absolute favorite snacks. They’re packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and filled with nutrients that fuel your day. Let me guide you step-by-step so you can create this healthy snack at home using simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients for the Veggie Sticks and Hummus
Veggie Sticks:
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks
- 2 celery stalks, washed and cut into 3-inch sticks
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium cucumber, partially peeled and sliced into sticks
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
Hummus:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water (for desired consistency)
Steps to Make Perfect Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Step 1: Prepare the Veggie Sticks
- Wash, peel, and slice the vegetables into even-sized sticks or strips for easy snacking.
- Keep veggies vibrant and crispy by placing them in a bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes. Pat dry with a kitchen towel before serving.
Step 2: Blend the Hummus
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt.
- Pulse until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, add the water a tablespoon at a time while blending until you get a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and smooth the top. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the surface for a pop of color and flavor. Drizzle with a little olive oil if you’d like.
- Arrange the veggie sticks on a platter around the bowl of hummus or in a separate compartment for a neat display.
Tips for Customization
- Swap in your favorite raw veggies—broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or even jicama sticks are fantastic additions.
- Add roasted red peppers to the hummus for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Experiment with spices in the hummus, like turmeric or za’atar, to change up the flavors.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to prepare fresh, colorful veggie sticks and creamy, homemade hummus. Each ingredient is chosen to make this snack both healthy and delicious.
For The Veggie Sticks
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks
- 2 celery stalks, washed and sliced into sticks
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 cucumber, washed and sliced into sticks
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
For The Hummus
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini, well-stirred
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2-4 tablespoons water (as needed for desired consistency)
Tools And Equipment
When it comes to preparing veggie sticks with hummus, having the right tools on hand can make the process effortless and enjoyable. I always rely on a few essential kitchen tools to keep everything smooth and mess-free. Here’s what I recommend:
For Veggie Sticks
- Vegetable peeler: Perfect for peeling carrots or cucumbers quickly and evenly.
- Sharp chef’s knife: A good sharp knife is crucial for slicing veggies like bell peppers and celery into uniform sticks.
- Cutting board: Choose a sturdy board; I like using one with a groove around the edge to catch juices from the veggies.
- Mixing bowl: Handy for rinsing and tossing prepped veggies before serving.
For Hummus
- Food processor or high-speed blender: A powerful food processor is the secret to smooth, creamy hummus. I personally prefer using one with a wide base to blend evenly.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Essential for precise amounts of tahini, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Citrus juicer: Ideal for squeezing fresh lemon juice without seeds sneaking into the mix.
- Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula is my go-to for scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure all the ingredients blend thoroughly.
Storage and Presentation
- Airtight containers: Perfect for storing leftover veggie sticks or hummus to keep them fresh. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best.
- Serving platter or bowl: When I’m serving this snack for guests, I love arranging the veggie sticks around a bowl of hummus for a colorful, eye-catching presentation.
Directions
This simple recipe will guide you in preparing a delicious and healthy snack of veggie sticks with creamy homemade hummus. Follow these steps to create a vibrant and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
Prep The Veggie Sticks
- Wash the vegetables thoroughly. Rinse the carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, and sugar snap peas under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Peel and cut the carrots. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the carrots if needed, and cut them into thin sticks about 4 inches long.
- Slice the celery stalks. Trim the ends of the celery and cut each stalk into sticks about the same size as the carrots.
- Prepare the bell peppers. Remove the stems and seeds from the red and yellow bell peppers. Cut them into thin strips for easy dipping.
- Slice the cucumber. If desired, peel the cucumber, then cut it into sticks similar in size to the other vegetables.
- Trim the sugar snap peas. If needed, snap off the ends of the sugar snap peas and remove any strings.
Make The Hummus
- Add the chickpeas to a food processor. Drain and rinse one can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, then transfer them to the food processor.
- Incorporate tahini and flavoring. Add 1/4 cup tahini, the juice of one lemon, one garlic clove (peeled), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Process the mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula, until it becomes creamy.
- Adjust the consistency. Slowly add 2-4 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more lemon juice, salt, or spices if needed, blending briefly after each adjustment.
Assemble The Veggie Sticks With Hummus
- Arrange the veggie sticks. Lay the prepared carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and sugar snap peas neatly on a serving platter. Group each type of vegetable for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve the hummus. Transfer the hummus to a small, shallow bowl and create a swirl on top using the back of a spoon. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika for garnish.
- Place the bowl on the platter. Place the hummus bowl in the center or alongside the veggie sticks.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately as a healthy snack or appetizer.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love snacks that don’t just taste great but also fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. Veggie sticks with hummus are perfect for meal prep, and you can have them ready to grab whenever hunger strikes by following these simple make-ahead tips.
Prepping the Veggie Sticks
- Wash and dry: Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables—carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and snap peas. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to pat them dry completely. This prevents any excess moisture from making your veggies soggy during storage.
- Cut and portion: Slice carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers into sticks that are easy to dip. Keep snap peas whole. If you’re prepping for kids or prefer pre-portioned snacks, divide the veggie sticks into individual servings using small resealable bags or divided containers.
- Store correctly: Place the prepped vegetables in airtight containers lined with a damp paper towel. This keeps the veggies crisp and fresh for up to five days in the refrigerator. If you’re storing multiple vegetables in the same container, make sure each variety is grouped together for easy access.
Preparing the Hummus
- Blend in batches: If doubling or tripling the hummus recipe for meal prep, blend it in batches to maintain the ideal creamy texture. Once ready, transfer the hummus into portioned containers or a large airtight container. Smooth out the top and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil to lock in moisture.
- Refrigerate: Store the prepared hummus in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about four to five days. If you’re packing it for snacking on the go, consider using smaller individual containers to make it easier to serve.
Snacking Tips for the Week
- Assemble single-serve snack packs by pairing a portion of veggie sticks with a small container of hummus. These are perfect for quick, grab-and-go moments.
- For longer storage, keep the veggies and hummus separate until ready to eat. This prevents the vegetables from losing their crispness due to contact with the hummus.
- Refresh your veggies mid-week if needed by trimming the ends of carrots or celery and replacing the damp paper towel to maintain freshness.
Tips And Variations
Veggie sticks with hummus are endlessly customizable. I love experimenting with different vegetables and hummus flavors to keep snacking exciting and satisfying. Here are some of my favorite ideas to help you mix things up!
Veggie Options
Switching up the veggies is an easy way to keep this snack interesting while still packing in great nutrition. These are a few of my go-to options:
- Jicama Sticks: Crisp and subtly sweet, jicama adds a refreshing crunch. Peel and slice into thin sticks for dipping.
- Zucchini Slices: Mild in flavor and easy to slice, zucchini pairs well with bold hummus flavors.
- Radishes: For a peppery kick, thinly slice these crunchy gems. Watermelon radishes add extra color.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and tender, cherry tomatoes are great when you want less prep. Use them whole or halved.
- Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets: These hearty options are satisfying and hold up well to thick hummus.
Pro Tip: For a mix of textures, combine soft veggies like cucumbers with firmer ones like jicama or carrots.
Hummus Flavor Variations
Hummus is a blank slate for your creativity. Adding new ingredients can completely transform the flavor. Here are a few twists to try:
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Blend roasted red peppers with the basic hummus recipe for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Jalapeño Hummus: Add a fresh or pickled jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne for vibrant heat. Adjust spice to your taste.
- Herb Infused Hummus: Fresh parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil can brighten flavors. Blend in a handful of your favorite herbs.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: A few sun-dried tomatoes give a rich, tangy depth. Finish with a drizzle of the oil from the jar.
- Beet Hummus: Add roasted beets for an earthy sweetness and a stunning pink hue. Perfect for a colorful presentation!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving veggie sticks with hummus, I love to keep things vibrant and inviting. Here are my favorite ways to make this healthy snack appealing and snack-worthy, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a solo treat:
Beautiful Platter Arrangement
I always recommend arranging your veggie sticks in a layered or circular pattern on a large serving platter. Start by grouping similar vegetables together—for example, stack carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, and bell pepper strips in smaller sections around the platter’s edge. Place a bowl of hummus at the center, or use multiple smaller bowls if you’re offering different hummus flavors. For an extra pop of color, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil on top of the hummus.
Snack Jars for On-the-Go
For a grab-and-go serving option, I reach for wide-mouth mason jars. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of hummus into the bottom of each jar, then insert assorted veggie sticks upright. These jars are not only convenient for meal prepping but also perfect for portion control and a no-mess snack break.
Creative Dipping Boards
I’m a big fan of turning simple snacks into a crowd-pleasing experience. Use a wooden or slate board to create a “dipping board.” Pair your veggie sticks with hummus and add extras like whole-grain crackers, pita chips, olives, cherry tomatoes, and cubes of cheese or vegan cheese alternatives. This makes the spread feel luxurious and indulgent while keeping it wholesome and balanced.
Kid-Friendly Fun
When creating veggie sticks with hummus for kids, I like to make it playful. Arrange the veggies in shapes, like a rainbow or their favorite animals, around the hummus dip. You can also use small cookie cutters to carve cucumber slices or bell peppers into fun shapes. Kids love to dip, so this makes snacking both inviting and exciting for them.
Single-Serve Plates or Bowls
When I’m hosting casual get-togethers, I set out individual small plates or bowls with pre-portioned servings of veggie sticks and hummus. It’s an easy way to keep things clean and organized, plus it’s great for encouraging mindful snacking during social settings.
Garnish Tips for a Gourmet Look
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! When serving hummus, I like to top it with roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of sumac for flavor and texture. A drizzle of pomegranate molasses or thinly sliced radishes also adds an upscale touch that elevates the presentation.
Storage Instructions
Keeping your veggie sticks and hummus fresh and flavorful is all about proper storage. Trust me, ensuring great-tasting snacks is just as important as creating them. Here’s how to do it:
Storing Veggie Sticks
- Prepare Airtight Containers: After washing and cutting your veggies into sticks, immediately transfer them into airtight containers or zip-top bags. This helps lock in their natural crispness.
- Add a Damp Paper Towel: Place a slightly damp paper towel at the bottom of the container. This keeps the veggies hydrated and prevents them from drying out.
- Keep Them Refrigerated: Store the containers in the fridge at 36–40°F for optimal freshness. Veggies like carrots and celery can stay crisp for up to a week this way.
- Refresh if Needed: If any sticks start losing their crunch mid-week, soak them in ice-cold water for 10–15 minutes to revive their texture.
Storing Hummus
- Use a Sealed Container: After making your hummus, transfer it into an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
- Top It with Olive Oil: Add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the hummus before sealing. This extra barrier prevents it from drying out or forming a skin.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store the hummus in the refrigerator at 36–40°F. Homemade hummus stays fresh for about 5–7 days.
- Portion for Convenience: If you snack during the day like I do, consider portioning your hummus into smaller containers for on-the-go snacking.
Combining for Ready-to-Go Snacks
- Assemble Snack Packs: Pair your veggie sticks with small portions of hummus in individual containers. I love using bento-style snack boxes for this—it keeps everything organized and fresh.
- Label and Date: If you’re making multiple packs for the week, label them with the date to stay on top of freshness.
Conclusion
Veggie sticks with hummus have easily become one of my go-to snacks for their perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this combo never disappoints.
With endless ways to customize and serve, there’s always room to get creative and make it your own. Plus, knowing you can whip it up with simple ingredients and tools makes it all the more enjoyable.
I hope this inspires you to dive into the world of veggie sticks and hummus and discover how fun and delicious healthy snacking can be!
