
This vibrant beet cashew hummus is a beautiful, creamy, and nutrient-rich appetizer that skips the beans and instead uses soaked cashews for a velvety texture. Roasted beet adds earthy sweetness, while a garlic tahini yogurt swirl and crunchy almond za’atar topping elevate it to gourmet appetizer status.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No Beans, All Creaminess: Cashews make this hummus ultra-smooth.
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Naturally Vibrant: Roasted beet adds color and nutrients.
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Flavor Layers: Tangy lemon, spicy garlic, and earthy za’atar keep every bite interesting.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Each component can be prepped in advance.
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Perfect for Entertaining: A show-stopping dip that’s as tasty as it is pretty.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beet Cashew Hummus:
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1¼ cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
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1 medium beet, washed
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
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3 tablespoons tahini
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon water
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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Pinch cayenne
Garlic Tahini Yogurt Swirl:
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¼ cup yogurt
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1 tablespoon tahini
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1 large garlic clove, pressed
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⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Almond Za’atar:
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⅓ cup dry roasted almonds
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1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
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1 teaspoon sumac
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions
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Preheat oven to 450°F. Wrap beet in foil and roast for 40–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and slice.
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Prepare tahini yogurt swirl by mixing yogurt, tahini, garlic, and salt. Chill until serving.
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Mix all almond za’atar ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside or store for later use.
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Drain and rinse soaked cashews. In a blender, combine cashews, beet slices, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, water, garlic, salt, and cayenne. Purée until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
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Transfer beet hummus to a serving bowl. Swirl in tahini yogurt mixture and top with almond za’atar. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
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Serve with cucumber spears, crackers, or pita.
Servings and timing
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Yield: About 2 cups
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking)
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: About 3 hours (including soaking and cooling time)
Variations
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free yogurt in the tahini swirl.
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Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds for cashews.
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Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the hummus.
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Extra Creamy: Blend in more olive oil or a splash of coconut milk.
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Topping Swap: Use dukkah or spiced pumpkin seeds in place of almond za’atar.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep beet hummus, tahini yogurt, and almond za’atar in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze hummus (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and stir before serving.
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Reheating: Not required—this dish is served cold.
FAQs
Is this recipe vegan?
It can be made vegan by using a plant-based yogurt for the tahini swirl.
Can I use pre-cooked beets?
Yes, pre-cooked beets will save time and still work well.
Do I need a high-powered blender?
It helps for a smoother texture, but a good food processor works too.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, substitute the cashews with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How long does this dip last?
It keeps in the refrigerator for about 4 days.
Is there a substitute for tahini?
You can use almond or sunflower butter, but it will slightly change the flavor.
What can I serve with this dip?
Crackers, veggie sticks, pita chips, or warm flatbread all work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s perfect for prepping the day before a gathering.
What does sumac taste like?
Sumac adds a tart, citrusy flavor that complements the earthy beet.
Can I skip the almond za’atar?
Yes, but it adds a delicious crunch and herbal contrast.
Conclusion
Beet Cashew Hummus with Tahini Yogurt Swirl is a stunning, healthy appetizer that offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a colorful snack for yourself, this dip is as delicious as it is eye-catching—and easy to make ahead, too.
Print
Beet Cashew Hummus with Tahini Yogurt Swirl
- Total Time: ~3 hours
- Yield: ~2 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Beet Cashew Hummus with Tahini Yogurt Swirl is a vibrant, creamy, bean-free dip made with roasted beet and soaked cashews for velvety texture and earthy sweetness. A garlicky tahini yogurt swirl and crunchy almond za’atar topping add layers of flavor and texture, making this show-stopping appetizer perfect for parties or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
Beet Cashew Hummus:
1¼ cups raw cashews, soaked at least 2 hours
1 medium beet, washed
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2–3 lemons)
3 tbsp tahini
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, chopped
½ tsp kosher salt
Pinch of cayenne
Garlic Tahini Yogurt Swirl:
¼ cup yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
1 tbsp tahini
1 large garlic clove, pressed
⅛ tsp kosher salt
Almond Za’atar Topping:
⅓ cup dry roasted almonds, chopped
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp sumac
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Roast the beet: Preheat oven to 450°F. Wrap beet in foil and roast 40–50 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel and slice.
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Make the swirl: Mix yogurt, tahini, garlic, and salt. Chill until ready to use.
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Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine almonds, sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, salt, and olive oil. Set aside.
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Blend hummus: Drain soaked cashews. In a blender or food processor, combine cashews, beet, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, water, garlic, salt, and cayenne. Blend until smooth, adjusting with water or oil as needed.
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Assemble: Spoon hummus into a serving bowl, swirl in tahini yogurt, and sprinkle with almond za’atar. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
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Serve: Pair with cucumber spears, crackers, pita chips, or flatbread.
Notes
Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
Swap cashews for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Add hot sauce or more cayenne for spice.
Blend in coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Substitute almond za’atar with dukkah or spiced seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dip
- Method: Roasting, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, Modern