Healthy snacking doesn’t get better than this creamy, delicious White Bean Hummus! This healthy dip includes just 4 ingredients and it comes together in mere minutes!

White bean hummus in a bowl with veggies

I love snacking, so I do my best to have plenty of healthy options around the house. Guacamole and Greek tzatziki are two of my favorite things to make (and eat!), but I do love to change things up.

This White Bean Hummus is a great alternative because it’s creamy, satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.

I love that I can go straight to the pantry for most of the ingredients, and it can be customized so many ways.

This recipe is phenomenal as a last minute appetizer as well. I’ve served it time and time again and it’s always a huge crowd pleaser.

This hummus can truly do no wrong. 🙂

White bean hummus on a platter with veggies

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • White beans lend a mild flavor and creamier texture to this white bean hummus recipe, and it’s so simple and fresh tasting!
  • It contains just 4 ingredients, and there’s no tahini necessary.
  • It’s a good source of plant based protein and fiber, and it’s a great option for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets.
  • It’s extremely versatile and works great as a dip, a spread for sandwiches, condiment for grain bowls and so much more. 

Recipe ingredients

Most hummus recipes include chickpeas and tahini like this lemon hummus.  This white bean hummus recipe has no tahini.  You can certainly include it if you wish, but it truly isn’t necessary.

This recipe includes just 4 ingredients, most of which are in your pantry.

White bean hummus recipe ingredients
  • White beans. Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans and navy beans are all great options for this white bean hummus recipe.
  • Olive oil. Olive oil provides a wonderful silky texture to the hummus.
  • Garlic. Fresh garlic adds nice depth of flavor. Sub with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or your favorite seasoning as desired.
  • Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors beautifully.
  • Optional garnishes. Smoked paprika, olive oil and freshly chopped parsley.

How to make hummus without tahini

This white bean hummus recipe is extremely easy!  I use my handy mini food processor and it comes together in minutes.

Pro tip: Be sure to blend the white bean hummus well for the ultimate creamy texture.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make white bean hummus
  1. Place the white beans, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste in the bowl of the food processor. Process the mixture until smooth.
  2. With the processor running, add the olive oil through the feed tube until smooth and creamy. Add more olive oil as desired for the optimal texture.
  3. Place the hummus in a serving bowl.
  4. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Platter of white bean hummus and fresh veggies

FAQs

Can I use white beans instead of chickpeas in hummus?

White beans are a great substitute for chickpeas in hummus. They’re mild in flavor and lend a creamy, silky texture.

What are the different varieties of white beans?

There are three main varieties of white beans as follows:

Cannellini beans are medium sized beans, and are basically white kidney beans.  
Great northern beans are medium-sized white beans that are smaller than cannellini beans.
Navy beans are small, pea-sized white beans, and are the smallest on the market.

All of the varieties listed above have a mild flavor and creamy texture, so they all work well in this recipe.   

What is white bean hummus made of?

There are just 4 ingredients in this white bean hummus, most of which you have on hand, and there’s no tahini necessary.
It includes cannellini beans, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil, and it can be garnished with smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley as desired.

Can I make hummus without tahini?

Tahini, which is a paste made of sesame seeds, is typically added to hummus to provide a smoother texture and added flavor.
I’ve made this white bean hummus without tahini as the white beans have a smooth, silky texture, which translates to a nice, creamy hummus.
You can certainly add tahini to this hummus if you have some on hand. Anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons would do the trick.

How to customize this recipe

The glory of white bean hummus is its versatility.  It can be changed up a number of ways to use up whatever you have on hand.

Customize this white bean hummus recipe with the following ingredients:

  • Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro and oregano.
  • Seasonings such as za’atar spice.
  • Fresh lemon or lime juice.
  • Tahini.
  • Sun dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
  • Roasted vegetables such as garlic, chilies, cherry tomatoes, winter squash or carrots.
  • Hot sauce.

Recipe Notes

  • Pro tip:  Be sure to process the white bean hummus very well for the perfect creamy, smooth texture.
  • Store hummus in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Hummus is great as a dip, a spread for sandwiches, a condiment for grain bowls, and so much more!
  • Change this white hummus recipe up by adding your favorite spices, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and more!
White bean hummus with cucumber dipping into the middle

More dip recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

White bean hummus in a bowl with veggies

White Bean Hummus

White Bean Hummus is creamy, nutritious and makes a great appetizer or snack! It includes just 4 ingredients, there's no tahini, and it's ready in 10 minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 15 ounces cannellini beans rinsed and drained; sub with Great Northern or navy beans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more as desired
  • Optional garnishes: olive oil, smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley

Instructions 

  • Place the white beans, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste in the bowl of the food processor. Process the mixture until smooth.
    15 ounces cannellini beans, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 clove garlic
  • With the processor running, add the olive oil through the feed tube until smooth and creamy. Add more olive oil as desired for the optimal texture.
    3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Place the hummus in a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy!
    Optional garnishes: olive oil, smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley

Notes

  • Pro tip:  Be sure to process the white bean hummus very well for the perfect creamy, smooth texture.
  • Store hummus in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Hummus is great as a dip, a spread for sandwiches, a condiment for grain bowls, and so much more!
  • Change this white hummus recipe up by adding your favorite spices, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 5mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 1g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This post was originally published in January 2013.  I’ve updated the photos and recipe, and included more useful information in the text.

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