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Easy, creamy, and full of bold flavor, this garlic hummus recipe without tahini is perfect when you’re out of tahini or prefer a seed-free option. It’s ready in 5 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. It makes a great healthy snack or party appetizer, and is good for meal prep!
If you’re craving homemade hummus but don’t have tahini on hand, no worries! This recipe is just as creamy and satisfying as the traditional version. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, quick and easy to whip up, and made with pantry staples.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make this tahini-free garlic hummus, share a few of my best tips, and answer common questions. Let’s dive in!
What Does Tahini Do in Hummus?
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s one of the classic, defining ingredients of traditional hummus. It plays multiple roles:
1. Adds Creaminess
Tahini contributes to the rich, silky texture of hummus. It’s naturally high in healthy fats, which help emulsify the chickpeas, olive oil, and lemon juice into a smooth and cohesive dip.
2. Balances Flavors
Tahini’s nuttiness and subtle bitterness balance the brightness of lemon juice and the sharpness of garlic. It rounds out the flavor, adding depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
3. Boosts Nutrition
Tahini is packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It makes hummus more nutrient-dense.
How is Hummus Without Tahini Different?
Texture
Without tahini, hummus will still be creamy and delicious. However, it will be a bit less smooth and have a lighter, less rich mouthfeel and less depth of flavor than a tahini-based version. To compensate, we use a generous amount of olive oil and garlic, and add more cold water for a smooth, creamy hummus.
Flavor
The flavor is noticeably more garlicky and chickpea-forward. Without tahini’s nutty, bitter notes, the lemon, garlic, and olive oil stand out more. Some people actually prefer this because it’s fresher and less heavy.
Simpler & Budget-Friendly
This version is also cheaper to make if you don’t keep tahini stocked in your kitchen.
Why Make Hummus Without Tahini?
Tahini is a traditional ingredient in hummus, but it’s not essential. Some people avoid it due to allergies, taste preferences, or simply not having it at home. This garlic hummus without tahini is:
- Still creamy and smooth
- Packed with garlic flavor
- Made with simple, accessible ingredients
- Great healthy option for dipping, spreading, or snacking
Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini Ingredients
Breaking It Down
Ingredients Explained
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas where applicable. For the full recipe (including the ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
- Chickpeas – Here we use 1 (15-ounce can) of chickpeas to keep it simple. If you prefer, you can substitute with dried chickpeas and cook them until tender.
- Garlic – Raw garlic brings a fresh, slightly spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the chickpeas and olive oil. It makes the hummus bright and vibrant without relying on tahini’s nutty flavor. Classic hummus uses raw garlic, but it’s usually balanced by tahini. In this tahini-free version, the garlic adds much-needed complexity so the dip doesn’t taste flat.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Use the good stuff for the best flavor, and drizzle more on top for the full experience!
- Fresh lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant, citrusy tang that lifts the entire flavor. Without tahini to bring richness and depth, fresh lemon juice plays an even bigger role in balancing the garlic, olive oil, and chickpeas. Also, the acidity from lemon juice helps smooth out the texture when blended with olive oil and chickpeas. It makes the hummus feel creamier without needing extra fat.
- Cumin – Cumin adds a subtle warmth and earthiness to the hummus that complements the chickpeas beautifully. Since chickpeas themselves are mild and slightly nutty, cumin deepens the flavor and gives the hummus a more complex, well-rounded taste.
- Salt – To season the hummus so it isn’t bland.
- Cold water – To help create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Paprika or cayenne pepper – Serve the dip topped with a sprinkle of paprika (sweet, hot, or smoked) or cayenne pepper. Or for more complex flavor, go for Aleppo pepper on top!
Pro Tip: Fresh Lemon Juice is a Must
Bottled lemon juice tends to taste dull, slightly bitter, or metallic due to preservatives. On the other hand, fresh lemon juice has a clean, crisp, and aromatic flavor that truly makes the flavor of hummus come alive!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the chickpeas, garlic, oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and cold water to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until it reaches your desired consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. If desired, blend in more water 1 tablespoon at a time for a creamier texture.
To serve, transfer to a shallow bowl and spread it out evenly. If desired, drizzle on more olive oil, and sprinkle on paprika or cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving again.
Pro Tips For the Creamiest Hummus
- Peel your chickpeas: If you have a few extra minutes, pinch off the skins for an extra-smooth texture.
- Use cold water: Cold water helps create a lighter, creamier hummus.
- Adjust garlic to taste: Love garlic? Add an extra clove. Prefer it milder? Stick with two.
Serving Suggestions
This easy garlic hummus is super versatile! Try it with:
- Warm pita bread (or homemade sourdough naan!)
- Fresh veggies for dipping (cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
- As a sandwich spread (try it on a wrap with chicken shawarma kebabs!)
- As a dip for roasted potatoes or falafel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace olive oil with water or a neutral oil, but olive oil gives it the best flavor.
Not exactly. It’s slightly different without tahini, but still delicious, garlicky, and creamy.
Absolutely! Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor. You may want to add a bit more roasted garlic than you would fresh because its flavor is less intense. (Check out my full guide (with a video!) on how to roast garlic.)
More Unique Dips You Don’t Want to Miss
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Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini
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Equipment
- High speed blender (or other blender or food processor)
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 3 large cloves raw garlic peeled and crushed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling on top
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cold water plus more if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (optional; for the top)
Instructions
- Add the chickpeas, garlic, oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and cold water to a blender or food processor. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.
- If desired, blend in more water 1 tablespoon at a time for a creamier texture.
- To serve, transfer to a shallow bowl and spread it out evenly. If desired, drizzle on more olive oil, and sprinkle on paprika or cayenne pepper.
Notes
- Recipe Yield and Serving Size: This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of hummus, or 6 (1/4-cup) servings.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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