Black Bean Hummus Bowls start with a thick layer of homemade spicy hummus made with black beans and roasted red peppers, and topped off with a pile of fresh veggies and tortilla chips. They’re dairy-free and gluten-free, and make a great addition to your meal prep routine.
*This post was originally published in June 2018. It has been updated with new photos and text, including helpful tips for readers. The recipe remains the same. (An original photo is included at the end of this post).
Hummus is a staple in our house. I make a batch almost every Sunday so we have it on hand all week for healthy snacks and lunches. We love it with veggie sticks, pretzels and seeded crackers, but it also makes a delicious spread on sandwiches, wraps and burgers!
And, of course, we love it in these loaded veggie hummus bowls with air fryer tortilla chips or pita chips!
Why you’ll love these black bean hummus bowls
- Easy to assemble: Once the hummus is made, these bowls come together quickly. (And the hummus is pretty simple to make too!)
- Meal prep friendly: The hummus lasts for 4-5 days, so you can make it ahead and just assemble your bowls when ready to eat. They also last fully assembled in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Customizable: You can pair the hummus with whatever toppings you like and make these bowls your own. I’ve included plenty of topping suggestions below.
What is black bean hummus?
Black bean hummus has all the common ingredients of traditional hummus, including tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. It’s just made with canned black beans instead of canned chickpeas. I also included some roasted red pepper in this recipe for some added taste and texture.
What you’ll need for the black bean hummus recipe
- No salt added black beans
- Red pepper for roasting (or a jar of roasted red peppers, drained)
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
How to make black bean hummus with roasted red peppers
- Step 1: While you can use a jar of roasted red peppers, I like to roast my own. To do this, just cut a large red pepper into slices and toss with some oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they start to char and blister a bit. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a food processor bowl, add the red peppers, black beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, oil and seasonings, and process on high until creamy. You will need to stop a few times to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Ways to top homemade hummus bowls
For these particular bowls, I added some reserved black beans, canned corn, olives, red onion, tomato, cucumber and a few tortilla chips. I usually add spinach or arugula, and more veggies than pictured here, but I wanted the photo to show the hummus. Feel free to pile on the veggie toppings!
Some other delicious toppings you can try include avocado, green peppers, green onions, zucchini, carrots, micro greens, nuts, seeds, quinoa or lentils. Essentially, whatever you would add to a salad or grain-bowl, you can add to these hummus bowls.
I also like to drizzle a little oil on top just before serving, along with another squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. But that’s totally optional.
Frequently asked questions
- Are hummus bowls healthy? These black bean hummus bowls contain plenty of plant based protein and fibre, and are loaded with fresh veggies. For me, that makes a healthy meal. They’re high in calories, however, so just keep that in mind and enjoy them in moderation.
- How can you meal prep these bowls for lunch? Divide the hummus into four glass containers with lids. Prepare your desired toppings and place them on top of the hummus (except the tortilla chips). Cover and store in the refrigerator. If you’re not going to enjoy these bowls within 2-3 days, just store the hummus separately and add the toppings when ready to eat.
- How long will these hummus bowls last? If stored properly, the black bean hummus should last 4-5 days. While you can assemble these bowls 2-3 days in advance, any longer than that and I would wait to add the toppings to the hummus.
- Can you freeze hummus? You can, but I don’t usually do it as I find hummus doesn’t have the same texture after it’s frozen and thawed.
Additional recipe tips and substitutions
- Be sure to roast the peppers skin side up. I don’t normally remove the skins from the peppers but if you want to, just let the peppers cook and blister a little longer. You should be able to lift the skins right off.
- For a short cut, you can use a jar of roasted red peppers. I used a 370 ml jar of flame roasted peppers and just drained them. You end up with a few more red peppers in the hummus, and the hummus isn’t quite as thick, but it still tastes great.
- If you like things a little less spicy, just reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add to the recipe.
- I used no salt added black beans in this recipe. If your beans have salt added, you might want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the hummus.
- If you’re meal prepping this recipe, you’ll get enough hummus for about 4 bowls. Feel free to use more or less toppings to suit your appetite.
- To keep these bowls gluten-free, make sure your tortilla chips are gluten-free.
- You can also serve this hummus bowl as an appetizer by serving it in a large bowl with all the toppings piled on. Just don’t forget the chips and pretzels for dipping!
More hummus and dip recipes to try
If you make these Black Bean Hummus Bowls, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.
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Black Bean Hummus Bowls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Black Bean Hummus Bowls start with a thick layer of homemade spicy hummus made with black beans and roasted red peppers, and topped off with a pile of fresh veggies and tortilla chips. They’re dairy-free and gluten-free, and make a great addition to your meal prep routine.
Ingredients
For the roasted red peppers:
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the hummus:
- 1 can (540 ml) black beans, no-salt added, drained and rinsed (reserve 3 tablespoons for the topping)
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Toppings:
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (black or green)
- 3 tablespoons black beans (reserved from the hummus recipe)
- 2 cups gluten-free tortilla chips
Instructions
- Roast the red peppers: Pre-heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the red pepper slices with the oil and seasonings, and arrange skin side up on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they start to char and blister. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the black bean hummus: Add the roasted red peppers and all of the hummus ingredients to a food processor bowl and process on high until creamy. You will need to stop a few times to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
- Assemble the hummus bowls: Divide the hummus into 4 bowls and layer on the toppings. Cover and store in the refrigerator, and enjoy within 2-3 days.
Notes
- You can use more or less toppings to suit your hunger level. I usually add spinach or arugula, and more veggies than pictured here, but I wanted the photos to show the hummus.
- Other topping options include avocado, green peppers, green onions, zucchini, carrots, micro greens, nuts, seeds, quinoa or lentils.
- If you’re not going to enjoy these bowls within 2-3 days, just store the hummus separately and add the toppings when ready to eat. The hummus will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
Recipe inspired by Clean Eating Magazine.
Just discovered this site and LOVE it!!! Will try this recipe this week……Thank you!
Thank you! Happy you found the site and hope you enjoy the hummus!
I just printed this recipe because I am making it this week!!
Thanks Camila! Let me know what you think when you make it!
What a beautiful recipe for the summertime! I absolutely love ‘bowls’ for lunches and this is such a great, new option – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jessica! I love bowls for lunch too! They are so perfect for meal prep! Hope you’re having a great week!
WHOA – this IS a flavor and texture feast! Gorgeous photos too!
Thanks so much Lily! I enjoyed taking photos of this bowl! So much colour to catch the eye!
I love that you made hummus into bowl form. Pure genius! I am thinking of so many variations now… yummmmm Thanks for sharing Leanne!
Thanks Lizzy! Would love to here about some of the hummus bowl variations you come up with! Have a great week!
Now that I’ve seen this hummus bowl, I say “move over smoothie bowl!”. This is delicious and beautiful all in one plate!
Thank you Nicoletta! I would mostly definitely eat this for breakfast, and it would be a nice change from a sweet smoothie bowl!!
GAH! I’m so behind on your blog but this recipe looks amazing! I haven’t gotten around to making homemade hummus before so thanks for the tips! Such gorgeous photography too!
Thank you Christina! I totally recommend making homemade hummus. You will never go back to the store-bought stuff! It would be a great snack to take on your camping trips! Just sayin’! 😉
I should make hummus more often. This one looks especially delicious! I could send it to work with my hubby, too!
I’m now in the habit of making hummus every Sunday, and my husband loves taking it for lunches. Anything that is healthy and can be prepped ahead of time works for me!!
Can’t wait to try this recipe Leanne! Love bowls like these for lunch – delicious, healthy and fun to eat!
Thanks Tanya! I hope you get to make this hummus bowl soon. Would love to know your thoughts if you do!
Well this is a perfect recipe to kick off summer! I love hummus and this looks divine! And your photos are absolutely mouth-watering, my friend!! Pinned!
Thank you so much Annie! I always enjoy photographing colourful bowls!
I have been loving the spicy recipe ideas ..keep them coming! 🙂
Your pictures are amazing by the way
Thanks Terry! Spicy recipes are my favourite! I’m so glad you are enjoying them!
I have never made my own hummus, but I LOVE back beans so this totally caught my eye! I love how fresh and vibrant and healthy everything looks! Anytime you need a lunch date or taste tester, just let me know and I will be right over! 🙂
Sounds like a plan Kelly! I’m always looking for new taste testers. In the meantime, you should totally try making your own hummus! They’re so delicious and easy!
I can see why this would be lunch! Looks amazing, I love all the flavorful garnish as well. Take care.
Thanks Stacey! It definitely makes a filling lunch!
I just saw this on IG and almost flipped — this is so creative and I love it! I love that hummus is so easily customizable with whatever type of beans you have on hand and loading it with salad toppings is the best idea possible!
Thanks so much Marcie! I love a customizable bowl, especially one that can be loaded with so many salad toppings! Hope you’re having a great week!
This looks so delicious! I’m not a big fan of chick peas so the black beans are perfect!
I’ve really been enjoying white and black beans in my hummus lately instead of chick peas. They’re a great alternative!
Bowl meals are my favorite and I think you know I love me some hummus!
Hummus is a staple in our house, and bowl meals really are the best, especially for meal prep! Thanks Patrick!
How fun to make a hummus bowl! We regularly make hummus/bean dips at home and even this week I finished off a bowl of my black bean dip. I’m always hungry after work (actually, who am I kidding, all the time, lol) and a few scoops of hummus with a couple chips is just the thing to keep the hungry bug away for a little bit. I’ll have to try this bowl soon. Love that you can customize with veggies and perfect for meal prep! Hope you have a wonderful sun-filled weekend, Leanne 🙂
Thanks Dawn! This hummus has been my after work snack for weeks. Just a bit with some pretzels gets me through to supper! Hope you get to try this bowl soon!
Hummus is one of my favorite lunches! And dinners and snacks and I’ve probably made it breakfast too :). This looks delicious, Leanne! Have a great weekend!
Thanks Kelsie! Hummus is great with any meal, isn’t it?! Hope you’re having a great week!