This kimchi pickle hummus recipe is a great gut-healthy spin on a classic Mediterranean dish. While many would never think to combine these two, it really does come out quite tasty. If you’re a fan of hummus and love dill pickle flavor and all things gut-healthy, we highly recommend you give this a try.
This homemade hummus recipe has a lot going for it. It's made with a classic hummus base. Then, I pack it with kimchi pickles for a kick of tart, tangy, slightly sour flavor, a unique twist on classic dill pickle flavor that pairs well with the smooth chickpea flavor and seasonings in the dish.
The flavor of this hummus makes it great with classic chips or vegetables, but it's also perfect for creative pairings, such as serving it with our air fryer sweet potato wedges.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Limited Ingredients: This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients, and you can find them all at your local grocery store.
- Easy to Make: All you have to do is throw everything into your food processor and let it go. It only takes a few minutes!
- A Unique Take on Hummus: The addition of the kimchi pickles gives this hummus a briny, tangy flavor that works so well with the creamy chickpea base.
- Great for Any Occasion: This is a healthy snack any time you want and is a fantastic appetizer for parties.
- Great for Meal Prep: This hummus is freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and store it for later.
- A Great Vegan Option: The chickpeas pack a punch of plant-based protein, so this is the perfect snack or spread for all the vegans out there.
Ingredients
We're using Cleveland Kitchen's new Fermented Kimchi Pickles. Made with fermented vinegar unique to their process, these thick-cut chips are addictively delicious and support gut health. These pickles crank it up a notch with an ideal heat from just a touch of Korean chili.
We love this brand so much that we used it to make our dill pickle hummus. Give it a try!
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas - or garbanzo beans, depending on the brand - are the base for this creamy hummus and make the recipe much faster than soaking dried chickpeas.
- Kimchi Pickles: Cleveland Kitchen kimchi pickles add a tart, tangy fermented flavor that works well with the smooth, creaminess of the hummus.
- Tahini: Tahini adds a kick of nutty flavor that gives the hummus its traditional taste.
- Garlic Olive Oil: Garlic olive oil adds an aromatic note to the hummus along with a smoother texture.
- Kimchi Pickle Juice: A little juice from the pickles takes the place of lemon juice.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
Flavor Variations
- Tahini: Tahini is the backbone of any traditional hummus. We don't recommend substituting it unless you absolutely have to. For example, if you have allergies to any ingredients or can't access it
- Olive Oil: You can use traditional extra virgin olive oil if you prefer. The hummus won't have quite as much of an aromatic note, but the texture will still be perfect.
- Pickle Brine: For a more mellow version of this recipe, substitute half of the pickle brine with lemon juice.
- Spicy: Blend your cayenne pepper right into the hummus for a kick of heat in every bite.
Instructions
- Rinse and thoroughly drain your chickpeas. Then, add all the hummus ingredients except the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Process until well blended and creamy. Then, scrape down the sides of the food processor and blend again until combined.
- Season the hummus with salt and pepper to taste and blend one more time.
- Finally, spoon your hummus into a bowl and top with a little olive oil and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- You can't blend your hummus too much. Really go to town until it's nice and creamy. The worst thing in the world is lumpy hummus.
- Be sure to thoroughly rinse your chickpeas. Their liquid is far too starchy and salty, and it will ruin the hummus.
- If your hummus is too thick, add a touch of olive oil and blend again. Repeat the process in small increments until the hummus is smooth and creamy.
- You can find Cleveland Kitchen kimchi pickles in both local grocery stores and big box stores. It's everywhere!
Pairing Suggestions
Of course, hummus is always great with crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks. Don't stop there, though. This is a great topping for avocado toast with sesame seeds. It's a fantastic spread for all kinds of sandwiches, so have fun experimenting.
If you're throwing a party a bit fancier, or you're just feeling fancy yourself, try pairing this hummus with your favorite dippers and a dry German riesling. The light, acidic, fruity flavor is perfect with the bold, tangy flavor of the hummus.
FAQ
Cleveland Kitchen kimchi pickles are available at most grocery and big box stores nationwide.
Kimchi pickle hummus has a creamy texture with a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that combines the fermented flavor of kimchi and dill pickles.
Good hummus should have a creamy, silky, smooth texture that holds its shape when spooned but isn't runny or thick and gloopy.
Hummus is very healthy. It's low fat and high in both fiber and protein. That being said, it is a calorie-dense food, so if you're watching your calories, be aware!
📖 Recipe
Kimchi Pickle Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- ¼ cup Cleveland Kitchen Kimchi Pickles
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoon garlic olive oil
- 3 tablespoon kimchi pickle juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for topping; optional
- Olive oil for topping
Instructions
- Drain and thoroughly rinse the chickpeas.
- Add the chickpeas, kimchi pickles, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and pickle juice to a food processor and blend until creamy - about 2 minutes.
- Scrape the sides of the food processor and blend again to ensure everything is well combined and smooth.
- If your hummus is too thick, add a bit of olive oil and blend again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend once more.
- Spoon the hummus into a bowl and top with a drizzle of more olive oil and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze the hummus for up to 4 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Defrost the hummus overnight in the fridge overnight.
- Always thoroughly rinse your chickpeas to remove all the salty, starchy liquid they're packed in.
- Be very sparing with the oil when adjusting your hummus consistency. Only use about ⅛ teaspoon of oil at a time. Remember, you can always add more, but you can never remove it.
Krystle says
I can't stop eating this. These pickles are a game changing ingredient.
Paula says
I often make my own hummus, but this was my first time trying with the additional pickle flavoring. Wow! Pleasantly surprised and impressed with how well this worked, absolutely delish!
Michele says
We made a batch of this tasty hummus to take with us boating and it was soooo good. Love the dill pickle twist on the traditional flavour.
Nicole Kendrick says
So happy to hear that!
Swathi says
Kimchi pickle hummus is delicius I have bought some kimichi with me, so I have made this enjoy with bowl of chips.
amy liu dong says
I am sure this hummus recipe is delicious and flavorful. I also love the idea of adding kimchi pickles to it to make it more delicious!
Bev says
To be honest, I wasnt sure if I would like this recipe, but my husband loves pickles and kimchi, so I figured I would give it a try. So glad I did! It was delicious and a great twist on the typical hummus.
Tisha says
This hummus recipe is on a completely different level and is so good! Thanks for sharing
Andrea says
Surprisingly delicious! I wasn’t sure what to expect from combining kimchi pickles with classic hummus, but it totally works.
Nicole says
This hummus is packed with a punch of flavor!
Elizabeth says
This kimchi pickle hummus is so good! This is very different from what I would usually make, but so glad I decided to give it a try. Can't wait to make this again!
Cladia says
Tried this pickle hummus with a kimchi twist and I’m obsessed—tangy, spicy, and totally addictive! 🥒🔥
Lathiya Shanmugasundaram says
Adding pickle in making hummus is a genius idea. The flavor is so addictive that I can't stop eating.
Swathi says
Love this fusion hummus, so good, perfect flavor, great with a bowl of chips and crackers.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love serving mine up with veggies too! Thanks for the nice words!
Lora says
Kimchi pickle hummus sounds like such a fun twist on a classic dip. I love the mix of creamy, tangy, and briny flavors!
Nicole Kendrick says
They pair perfectly! I hope you have an amazing day! -NK
Ashley says
What a fun combination of flavors! So many of my favorite things all in one recipe. Love it!
Nicole Kendrick says
Bursting with flavor! I hope you serve it at your next party!
Nick says
This hummus is a game changer! the perfect way to spice up snack time.
Nicole Kendrick says
A perfect party snack!!
Sonja says
I'm entirely hooked by this Kimchi pickle hummus recipe! Those two twists added so much flavor to the creamy dip. I literally can't stop eating it!
Nicole Kendrick says
A bit sweet, a bit spicy, and so many amazing options to dip in!
Claudia says
I tried this pickle hummus with a kimchi twist and it was tangy, a little spicy, and surprisingly addictive!
Nicole Kendrick says
tangy and spicy! Perfect for an appetizer during movie night!
Britt says
I really love the kimchi in this. It's crazy good!
Nicole Kendrick says
A perfect pop of flavor! Enjoy!
Brett says
My wife and I love pickles and kimchi so we were intrigued by this recipe. The flavors work so well together, such a fun twist on a classic.
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so glad to hear you enjoy this twist on a classic! Thank you!
Beth says
What a yummy twist on hummus! The kimchi gave it a delicious depth of flavor and I couldn't stop eating it!!!
Nicole Kendrick says
A perfect twist to help put some spice in your life, LOL!
Jane says
Love the union of kimchi and hummus, so delicious and excellent for your gut health!
Nicole Kendrick says
Perfect pairing! Make sure you check out our other dips!
Swathi says
Fell in love with pickle hummus with kimchi is delicious I have made it so good.
Nicole Kendrick says
A perfects snack or topping for chicken! Enjoy the food!
Betsy says
Such a yummy twist on hummus!! The addition of pickles and kimchi is genius!
Nicole Kendrick says
I also love the kimchi twist! Thank you!
Taryn says
What a great idea! Thanks fir the recipe.
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you for stopping by!
Marie-Pierre says
Who knew spicy pickles and chickpeas goes so well together! My new favourite hummus! Thanks!
Nicole Kendrick says
I was shocked the first time too. But now, its a regular in my house!
Lina says
Such a fun twist on classic hummus. The dill pickle flavor works surprisingly well and makes this a great option if you’re into bold, gut-friendly flavors.
Nicole Kendrick says
This is bold but so so yummy! Thank you!
Janice says
I was so curious about pickle hummus, and it is actually delicious! It’s a great conversation starter for a snack board.
Nicole Kendrick says
Worth the try ever time! Make sure to pass it on! Thank you!!!