Red Pepper & Pine Nut Hummus (Toasted Pine Nuts for Rich Flavor)

Looking for an easy pine nut hummus recipe with a rich, nutty flavor? This red pepper and toasted pine nut hummus has the same deep taste you’d expect from roasted pine nut hummus – without the extra step.

Toasting pine nuts in a pan brings out their buttery flavor quickly and easily. Combined with red peppers, garlic, and chickpeas, it turns a simple hummus recipe into something really special.

Use this pine nut hummus on toast for breakfast, or serve it as an easy appetizer for your next gathering. It’s always a hit.

The links below are affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you if you purchase through an affiliate link.

Ingredients for toasted pine nut hummus

To make this hummus recipe with pine nuts, you’ll need these ingredients:

• One 15-ounce can of chickpeas
• ⅓ cup of tahini
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced
• Himalayan sea salt to taste
• Cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 small red pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 red pepper to garnish, diced

You’ll also need a food processor.

How to make red pepper and toasted pine nut hummus

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Just gather up all the goodies and get out your food processor, and you’ll be good to go!

Prepare the peppers and chickpeas

• Dice the garlic and red peppers.
• Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

Prepare the hummus

• Place the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and half of the diced red peppers in a food processor.
• Pulse until the ingredients are smooth.

Pro tip:  This hummus recipe has a coarse texture. If you prefer a smoother hummus, you will peel the garbanzo beans first.

How to toast pine nuts (stovetop & oven methods)

Toasting pine nuts is quick, easy, and brings out their rich, buttery flavor. It only takes a few minutes, so watch them closely because they can burn quickly.

Stovetop method (fastest)

• Place a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts in a single layer.
• Stir constantly or shake the pan gently for even browning.
• After about 3–5 minutes, they’ll turn light golden and smell fragrant.
• Remove them from the pan immediately to stop the cooking process.

Oven-roasted method (hands-off option)

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Spread the pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are lightly golden and aromatic.

Tips for perfectly toasted pine nuts

• Don’t walk away. Toasted pine nuts can go from golden to burnt quickly,
• Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done (they continue cooking on the hot pan).
• Let them cool before adding to the hummus for the best texture.

Toasted pine nuts are often referred to as “roasted” in recipes, and both methods deliver the same rich flavor that works perfectly in this red pepper hummus.

Serving the pine nut hummus

• Place the hummus in a small bowl.
• Add the toasted pine nuts and the rest of the chopped red peppers on top.
• Drizzle with the olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
• Serve with pita chips.

You can also serve this hummus with slices of mushrooms, cucumber, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables or slices of fruit.

What does pine nut hummus taste like?

This hummus has the most amazing taste! It’s creamy with a smoky flavor from the cumin and a sweet taste of red peppers. The toasted pine nuts add texture and a nice bit of crunch, and pink sea salt ties it all together for a salty finish.

Just look at this texture. Even without peeling the chickpeas, it has a smooth and creamy feel to it.

I love the versatility of this dish.  I often combine it with a protein choice, some veggies, a bit of avocado, and my lovely chickpea Mediterranean black bean salad.

It is a heart-healthy lunch that tastes amazing in every delicious mouthful. And I know I won’t feel hungry until dinner time.

Share this hummus with pine nuts recipe on X

If you enjoyed how to make toasted pine nut hummus, why not share this recipe with a friend?

Creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor 🫑✨ This Red Pepper & Pine Nut Hummus is made with toasted pine nuts for a rich, nutty taste that feels like roasted hummus - without the extra work. Perfect as a dip, spread, or snack! 🥙💛… Share on X

Pin this pine nut hummus recipe

Would you like a reminder of this recipe for toasted pine nut hummus? Pin this image to one of your recipe boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.

Admin note: This recipe for hummus with pine nuts and red peppers first appeared on the blog in March 2016. This post has been updated with new photos, a printable recipe card, and a slideshow video for other appetizer recipes.

Share on Social Media