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Home » snacks

Quick Oil-Free Lemon Beet Hummus

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This is such a quick and easy lemon beet hummus recipe, and it's oil-free! If you don't like beets, you will probably still love this because it's a beetroot hummus without that earthy flavor, thanks to pickled beets and lemon zest. It tastes amazing, you have to try it - in fact, it's the best beet hummus I've tasted (and I don't love the taste of beets)! Ready in about 5 minutes, this pretty-in-pink recipe is vegan and satisfies a whole food plant-based lifestyle.

A big bowl of pink pickled beet hummus surrounded by lettuce, cucumbers, and basil.

This recipe is beautiful to make in the spring, yet since we're using shelf-stable ingredients like jarred pickled beets, it can be enjoyed any time of year.

This was inspired by my Best Oil-Free Hummus in 5 Minutes recipe on this site, and also takes only about five minutes to make. The flavors and color in this version make it my new favorite - even though I'm not a big fan of beets! I really love the bubble gum pink of this hummus; that said, if you prefer a deeper color, see the Top Tip below.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients with Substitutions
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • Instructions for this Lemon Beet Hummus Salad
  • Other spreads
  • Pairing
  • The Recipe
  • general food safety
  • Comments

Ingredients with Substitutions

The ingredients for this recipe are simple; in fact, they're pretty much the same as my mentioned house hummus except for one ingredient: pickled beets.

A few simple ingredients for making quick beet hummus.

Pickled beets: They're the star here for their beautiful color! Of course, if you've got the gumption to make your own, go for it. Personally, I love that they exist on grocery store shelves so that this recipe can be super quick and easy. We're using both the beets and the pickle juice, so make sure your source is not too high in sodium or additives.

I particularly love Sweet Creek Organic Pickled Beets, which are made without additives, just all organic ingredients: beets, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, mustard seed, garlic, peppercorns, and filtered water. Thank you, Sweet Creek!! If you don't see them at your local grocery store, try putting in a request at the checkout counter - they're totally worth it.

Chickpeas: These provide the base of the recipe and are loads of nutrition, and I love that they make this hummus filling. You can use any white beans as a substitute.

Tahini: Healthy fats and a creamy richness are provided by tahini. There's not much in this recipe, so this hummus has less fat than many out there - especially when no oil is used. If you don't have tahini, almond butter will do.

Lemon juice and zest: Lemon zest is the co-star of this recipe. You could make this recipe without the zest and it would be good. With the zest, I think it's incredible! It really does make a difference, if you like lemon zest.

Garlic granules: Garlic is such a delicious flavor in hummus, but could be omitted if you'd prefer.

Salt: This helps all the flavors sing in harmony. Since the lemon juice and vinegar in the beets bring a nice zing, you may enjoy this recipe without it. For those watching their sodium, keep in mind there is some sodium in pickled beets, too.

Filtered water: Water works great for helping the ingredients come together in the blender and providing a nice, smooth hummus without oil. If you'd like it even smoother, try adding ice cubes until you're happy with the consistency. If you're wanting to add olive oil, try adding a bit to the top so you can enjoy its flavor and richness fully without using an excessive amount.

See recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

You just need a few kitchen tools for this recipe:

A knife and cutting board to cut the lemon.

A zester or fine grater for the lemon zest.

Measuring cups and spoons.

A strong blender. A food processor is a good alternative.

Instructions

Making this pickled beet hummus couldn't be easier! Place all the ingredients in a blender and:

A blender filled with pink beet hummus.

Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Add a bit more water, if necessary.

A big bowl of pink beet hummus topped with lemon zest.

Serve and enjoy!

Storage

This hummus stores well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a few days.

Top tip

Use a spoonful of beets, then a spoonful of the pickling liquid. Alternate until you have the full recommended amount.

FAQ

How can I get a deeper pink color on this hummus?

Add more pickled beets and the pickling liquid until you achieve your desired color. Reduce the amount of filtered water to the amount of pickled beets you add. Since there is sodium in the pickled beets, an alternative is to stir in a sprinkling of beet powder until you reach a deeper color.

Two plates with pink beet hummus topped with colorful salads.

Instructions for this Lemon Beet Hummus Salad

  1. Spread Lemon Beet Hummus on each plate.
  2. Sprinkle a layer of Spiced Quinoa over the hummus.
  3. Add any vegetables and herbs you like. The herb I'm using here is lemon balm - so delicious on this salad!
  4. Add a drizzle of thick aged balsamic vinegar or glaze, if you'd like.
  5. Serve and enjoy thoroughly.
A forkful of cucumber, quinoa, radicchio, and beet hummus.

Other spreads

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Smooth, creamy hummus topped with balsamic glaze and surrounded by bright, colorful veggies and flax crackers
    Best Oil-Free Hummus in 5 Minutes
  • Arugula Pecan Vegan Cheesy Spread
  • fresh homemade guacamole
    Easy Vegan Guacamole
  • A small bowl of vegan lemon garlic aioli.
    Vegan Lemon Garlic Aioli (oil-free)

Pairing

These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with this lovely pink hummus:

  • Golden spiced quinoa in a rustic serving bowl and a purple linen.
    How to Spice Up Quinoa
  • Overhead view of three plates of hoomemade fries made with different potatoes.
    Oil-free Air Fryer French Fries
  • a stack of delicata squash
    Delicata Dippers, A One-Ingredient Snack Recipe
  • parsley surrounding a platter of radicchio leaves filled with hummus
    Hummus Lettuce Wraps with Crispy Chickpeas

The Recipe

Pink beet hummus filling a large bowl and surrounded by salad ingredients.

Lemon Beet Hummus

The best quick oil-free lemon beet hummus that's ready in 5 minutes, vegan, and satisfies a whole food plant-based lifestyle. See instructions for the salad in the notes.
______________________________
Plant Diversity: Striving for 30 different plants per week
The number of plants in this recipe: at least 4 plants 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Lifestyle: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Fiber: 5.3g
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Equipment

  • cutting board and knife small (for lemon)
  • zester or small grater for zest
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • strong blender or food processor (though won't be as smooth)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chickpeas 2 15-ounce (low sodium) canned or cooked
  • ½ cup pickled beets with pickling liquid (alternate spoonfuls beets and liquid)
  • ¼ cup tahini or almond butter
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest about one medium lemon
  • ⅛ cup lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • ½ teaspoon salt up to 1 teaspoon if desired
  • ½ cup filtered water or more to smooth

Instructions

  • Blend all the ingredients until smooth in a high-speed blender, using the tamper if necessary. Add more water if you need to thin it out. Enjoy!
  • Store in a refrigerated sealed container for up to a few days.

Notes

Any white beans can substitute for the chickpeas.
For a deeper pink color, add more pickled beets, reducing the water by the same amount. Alternatively, stir in sprinkled beet root powder.
If you're watching your sodium, keep in mind there is sodium in the pickled beets. Omit the salt, if needed. It should still be tasty!
 
Instructions for the salad pictured in the article:
    1. Spread Lemon Beet Hummus on each plate.
    1. Sprinkle a layer of Spiced Quinoa over the hummus.
    1. Add any vegetables and herbs you like. The herb I'm using here is lemon balm - so delicious on this salad!
    1. Add a drizzle of thick aged balsamic vinegar or glaze, if you'd like.
    1. Serve and enjoy thoroughly.

Rough Nutrition Estimate provided by WPRM (based on generic ingredients and limited specification options)

Nutrition Facts
Lemon Beet Hummus
Amount per Serving
Calories
150.62
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5.59
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.73
g
5
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2.46
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1.86
g
Sodium
 
317.68
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
237.17
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
19.8
g
7
%
Fiber
 
5.3
g
22
%
Sugar
 
3.62
g
4
%
Protein
 
6.93
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
24.46
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
3.6
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
44
mg
4
%
Iron
 
2.32
mg
13
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?I'd love to see! On Instagram, mention @beautifulingredient and tag #beautifulingredient!

general food safety

  • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands and ingredients well before using
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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Welcome to a world of beautiful food!

I'm Kari, and this is where I celebrate beautiful ingredients and focus on ways to make eating more plants easier. Recipes are centered around whole foods and are vegan, cooked without the need for oil, mostly refined sugar-free and gluten-free. And so delicious!


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