When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, nothing hits the mark quite like a bowl of homemade garlic hummus crowned with a briny, savory olive tapenade. This dish brings together the earthy richness of chickpeas, the punch of roasted garlic, and the intense flavor of olives for a creamy-meets-salty combo that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re planning a mezze spread or looking for clean eating ideas, this greek hummus recipe is a delicious go-to that also happens to be vegetarian-friendly, easy to prep, and a star in both lunch and dinner recipes.
Garlic Hummus with Olive Tapenade
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Food Processor or High-Speed Blender Essential for getting that smooth, creamy hummus texture. If you don’t have one, a potato masher and some elbow grease can work in a pinch for a more rustic version.
Baking sheet For roasting the garlic. You can use foil if you're short on tools.
Knife & cutting board For prepping your ingredients.
Serving bowl A shallow one works best for that classic hummus presentation.
For the Garlic Hummus:
- 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons tahini stirred well
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 3 garlic cloves roasted (for mellow sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water to adjust consistency
For the Olive Tapenade:
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup green olives
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wrap the garlic cloves in foil and roast for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Let them cool.
Make the Hummus
In your food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, roasted garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding cold water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
Prepare the Tapenade
In a clean processor (or rinse the first one!), pulse together the olives, capers, raw garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until coarsely chopped. Don’t over-process—you want some texture.
Assemble
Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl, swirl the top with the back of your spoon, and drizzle olive oil into the dips. Spoon the tapenade over the center and scatter parsley if using.
Serve
Pair it with warm pita, fresh veggies, or even grilled chicken breast if you're mixing and matching with chicken breast recipes for a protein boost.
Perfect Pairings
This zesty garlic hummus with olive tapenade shines as a standalone appetizer but can also be a stunning addition to larger meals. Try serving it with warm flatbreads, cucumber spears, and grape tomatoes for a clean eating mezze platter. It pairs beautifully with lemon herb grilled chicken, making it a stellar side for protein-packed dinner recipes. Want a cozy, unexpected twist? Add it alongside a bowl of tomato soup—it works!
And yes, if you’re eyeing dessert, whip up something indulgent and fudgy from your favorite brownie recipes to balance all that garlicky, briny goodness with a little sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw garlic instead of roasted?
You can, but roasted garlic adds a much smoother, sweeter flavor that complements the hummus better. Raw garlic will give it a sharper bite.
2. What kind of olives work best for tapenade?
Kalamata olives bring the deep, briny punch you want, but mixing in green olives adds brightness and variety. Feel free to experiment!
3. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Soak them overnight and simmer until soft. It’s a great base for anyone looking for a truly homemade garlic hummus experience.
4. Is this a good recipe for vegetarians?
Definitely. This is one of those classic vegetarian recipes that’s hearty enough to please everyone at the table.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The hummus can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The tapenade also keeps well and can be made the night before.
6. How is this different from a simple hummus recipe?
While this has all the elements of a simple hummus recipe at heart, the roasted garlic and the addition of olive tapenade elevate it into something special—bold, elegant, and totally scoop-worthy.
