There’s something special about a hummus platter — it’s simple, beautiful, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a gathering, a weeknight snack, or a picnic in the sun, this Mediterranean-inspired board combines creamy hummus, fresh veggies, and warm pita or pita chips for the perfect bite.

Years ago, when I lived in a smaller town, I had a close-knit circle of friends, all raising kids around the same age. We homeschooled, shared a love for healthy foods, and spent as much time in nature as we could.

We’d often bring the kids to a nearby state park, where a winding river cut through trees so thick you couldn’t see beyond them. The kids would spend hours searching for special rocks, splashing in the shallow water, and getting lost in the kind of simple, carefree play that childhood allows.

And we always packed hummus in some form or another for lunch.

This recipe takes me back to those days—a meal just as perfect on a picnic blanket as it is for a big gathering. Some weeks, when I’m batch cooking, I’ll cook chickpeas from scratch and make homemade hummus or char peppers for an extra special touch.

On other days, I’ll grab store-bought hummus and pile it high with fresh, colorful veggies. Either way, it’s simple, delicious, and always a hit.

I’ve included recipes if you want to make your own (it’s super easy!).

P.S. For a bigger crowd, I always double the hummus, but one batch is more than enough for a quick lunch. A platter like this is my favorite kind of cooking — creative, beautiful, and meant to be shared.

Why this recipe works

Creamy & crunchy: Colorful veggies, creamy hummus, and warm pita bread create a platter that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings — kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, spiced chickpeas, or anything you love!
Meal prep & make-ahead friendly: Prep everything in advance and store it separately for easy snacking, a quick appetizer, or a delicious lunch throughout the week.
Crowd-pleasing and easy: Ideal for gatherings, casual dinners, or a simple snack.
Healthy & Mediterranean-inspired: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, it’s a nourishing, plant-based option.

Love flavorful dips? Try our Cowboy Caviar, Vegan 7-layer dip, or bean dip for more delicious options!

Substitutions & additions

Want more protein? Add a sprinkle of hemp seeds or roasted chickpeas.
Extra flavor boost? Try smoked paprika, za’atar, or sumac for a punch of flavor.
Crunch factor: Serve with seeded crackers or lightly toasted nuts (we love roasted pine nuts).

In the kitchen tips

Remove chickpea skins: If making homemade hummus, removing skins improves the texture, but it’s optional. For easier peeling, rub the chickpeas in a clean kitchen towel and rinse them with warm water.
Garnish with extra chickpeas: Open another can or set aside a handful before blending to add texture and a polished look.
Use aquafaba: The starchy chickpea liquid acts as an emulsifier, making hummus lighter and fluffier.
Use a variety of colors: Incorporate a variety of vegetables and garnishes to make the platter visually appealing.
For extra smooth hummus: Blend for 1–2 minutes to fully break down the chickpeas.
Want to turn this into a full mezze platter? — Add extras like tzatziki, baba ganoush, marinated artichokes, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), olive tapenade, and falafel for a Mediterranean-inspired spread perfect for entertaining or your next gathering.
Keep it chilled: If serving outdoors, place the platter on a tray with ice packs underneath to keep ingredients fresh.

Tips for a stunning Hummus Platter

Balance colors for a visually appealing spread — Alternate bold hues (red tomatoes, green cucumbers, purple onions) with neutral tones to create contrast and make the platter pop.
Layer & stack for depth — Instead of laying everything flat, overlap pita wedges, pile chickpeas into little mounds, and fan out cucumber slices for a more dynamic look.
Use a large platter for a beautiful spread — Spreading ingredients out creates a full, inviting presentation while leaving space between elements keeps it visually balanced.
Group ingredients in small clusters — Instead of lining everything up in rows, arrange items in small piles to create a natural, inviting presentation.
Finish with a drizzle & a sprinkle — A final swirl of olive oil, a dusting of sumac, or a handful of sesame seeds or pine nuts adds flavor and a polished look.

For this hummus platter, you can use homemade or store-bought hummus. To make our homemade hummus recipe, these are the ingredients you’ll need.

Chickpeas (canned chickpeas or dry beans for homemade)
Tahini (a good-quality tahini makes all the difference — look for one that’s smooth, pourable, and not too bitter. We love this tahini!).
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Garlic
Sea salt
Ice-cold water
Aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas)
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling on top (For the best flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil — it adds richness and depth to the hummus).
Paprika or sumac for garnish

AUTHOR: Julie Gaeta