Avocado Cilantro Lime Hummus is a vibrant twist on classic hummus, combining the creamy richness of avocado with the zesty brightness of lime and the subtle heat of jalapeño.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
It’s packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and tahini, loaded with heart-healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and naturally high in fiber—making it a satisfying and nourishing snack or spread.
With no cooking required and just a few fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for busy days, quick lunches, or meal prep.
Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and contains low saturated fat, making it a wholesome choice for most dietary lifestyles.
The addition of ice cubes is a clever trick for achieving an ultra-smooth, almost whipped texture, elevating this dip to gourmet status with minimal effort.
Whether you’re entertaining or just need a nutritious midday boost, this hummus delivers both flavor and function.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Ninja Food Processor
This powerful food processor effortlessly blends chickpeas, avocado, and tahini into a silky, smooth hummus in minutes. It saves time and ensures consistency, making it a must-have for dips, sauces, and even doughs.
Chef’s Knife
Essential for prepping ingredients like jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. A good-quality chef’s knife speeds up prep time and allows for precision cutting across all your recipes.
Garlic Press
Crushing garlic with a press releases more flavor than chopping and saves time. This tool enhances the hummus’s depth without the mess of mincing.
Citrus Juicer (Manual or Handheld)
Extracts every drop of fresh lime juice with minimal effort and zero seeds, maximizing flavor and convenience for all your citrus-based recipes.
Rubber Spatula
Perfect for scraping down the sides of the food processor and transferring every last bit of hummus into your serving dish—waste less, enjoy more.
Avocado and Lime Hummus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping all the fresh ingredients. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Halve, pit, and scoop out the avocado. Chop the cilantro and jalapeño, peel the garlic, and juice the lime.
- Build the Base in the Processor: In the bowl of a high-powered food processor, combine chickpeas, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, tahini, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture begins to break down and become smooth. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides for even blending.
- Add Ice for Creaminess: Once the base is well combined, add 4 to 5 large ice cubes directly into the processor. Continue blending for another 3 to 4 minutes until the hummus becomes silky, fluffy, and light. The ice helps create a whipped, airy texture without diluting flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your hummus and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness or an extra ice cube if you'd like a thinner consistency. Blend again briefly if more ingredients are added.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the finished hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh cilantro or a few jalapeño slices for presentation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Notes
- No Cilantro? You can omit it entirely or substitute with fresh parsley for a milder herbal flavor.
- Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, remove all the jalapeño seeds or skip it altogether. For more heat, leave some seeds in or use a serrano pepper.
- Storage Tips: This hummus keeps well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if any separation occurs.
- Texture Tip: The ice cubes are the secret weapon for that luscious, creamy finish. Don’t skip this step!
- Flavor Boost: Try adding a pinch of cumin or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle earthy twist.
Chef’s Secrets for Creamy Hummus
The secret to achieving that ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality hummus lies in a few simple but powerful techniques.
First, always use a high-powered food processor—it’s the key to breaking down chickpeas and avocado into a velvety consistency.
Next, add the ice cubes during blending, not before.
This technique helps aerate the mixture and chill it slightly, giving your hummus a fluffy, whipped texture that’s irresistibly creamy.
Don’t rush the blending process—let it run for several minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides for an even, thorough mix.
Finally, taste as you go.
The freshness of your lime, the heat of your jalapeño, and the ripeness of your avocado can all vary, so adjust the flavor to suit your preferences.
A little extra lime juice or a pinch of salt at the end can elevate your hummus from good to exceptional.
Delicious Ways to Serve Hummus
This vibrant hummus is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways beyond traditional dipping.
Serve it as a colorful party appetizer with a platter of fresh vegetables, pita wedges, or tortilla chips.
It also makes a perfect spread for sandwiches or wraps, adding creaminess and flavor without the need for mayo or dairy.
For a healthy meal, try it as a base layer in grain bowls, topped with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a squeeze of lime.
You can even use it as a unique topping for grilled chicken or fish, where its tangy, herbaceous notes add contrast to savory proteins.
Hosting a brunch or picnic? Offer it as part of a mezze-style spread with olives, cheeses, flatbreads, and marinated veggies for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired touch.
How to Store It Properly
To keep your avocado hummus fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The hummus will last for up to 4–5 days when properly stored.
Because avocado can oxidize over time, press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly against the surface of the hummus before sealing the container. This helps minimize exposure to air and slows down browning.
If a slight color change does occur, it’s usually only surface-deep—just give it a quick stir before serving. Avoid freezing this hummus, as the texture may change when thawed.
For best results, store in smaller containers for easy grab-and-go portions or to serve as a healthy snack throughout the week
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummus
1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and boil until tender before using. This gives you more control over the texture and flavor. You’ll need about 1½ cups of cooked chickpeas to replace one 540 ml can.
2. What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem! You can swap cilantro for fresh parsley or simply leave it out. The hummus will still be flavorful with the lime, garlic, and avocado doing the heavy lifting.
3. Is this hummus spicy?
That depends on your jalapeño. Removing the seeds and membrane keeps it mild, while leaving them in adds heat. You can also omit the pepper entirely or use a milder variety like banana peppers if preferred.
4. Can I make this recipe without tahini?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will change slightly. You can substitute with sunflower seed butter or plain Greek yogurt (if not vegan), or leave it out for a more avocado-forward dip.
5. Why add ice cubes while blending?
Ice cubes help create a smooth, creamy, and whipped texture by slightly chilling and aerating the hummus during blending. It’s a trick used by many chefs for ultra-light, fluffy results without adding water.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by pipercooks. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.