This Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus is smooth and creamy plus it's very flavorful. It's perfect as a dip served with pita chips or as a sandwich spread.

I absolutely adore hummus and I make it all the time at home. This is typically the flavor I make most often, tied with Lemon and Roasted Garlic Hummus. This version is the perfect base for my Mexican Layered Hummus Dip, too!
How do you make Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus from scratch?
Making hummus at home is incredibly simple! Start by mincing your garlic by pulsing it a few times in a food processor, then do the same with the jalapeño. After that, you'll basically just add the remaining ingredients and blend them until your Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus is smooth and creamy.
You can also add a little water to the food processor at the end if it's too thick for your liking.
Can you use lime instead of lemon in hummus?
Lemon juice is more commonly used in hummus recipes than lime juice, but they can both be used. Since this recipe has the flavors of both cilantro and jalapeño, lime juice will definitely work best. When I make traditional hummus, I opt for lemon juice but play around and decide what you like best.

What can I use if I don't have tahini?
If you don't have any tahini on hand, try using a nut butter (almond butter works well). Or add a couple of tablespoons sesame oil in place of the tahini.
You can also add ½ cup of sesame seeds to the food processor during the first step (when you add the garlic); the only difference is that you'll keep the processor running until it's smooth instead of simply pulsing the garlic.
If none of those options grab you, feel free to skip it entirely. It won't have quite the same flavor, but I've made it without it and it's still very good.
Is it cheaper to make your own hummus?
Making your own hummus at home is definitely cheaper than buying it at the store, although this may depend on the prices on your area. It's $4.99 for a tub of hummus near me, and I can make it myself for about $2.50, so it's half the cost. Homemade hummus also tastes much better, so it's definitely worth it to make your own.

Variations of Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus
- Add half an avocado to the batch and blend it until it's smooth. It adds a nice flavor and it's even more creamy.
- Replace the jalapeño with a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky twist.
- If you're a cumin lover, add ¼ teaspoon, then more to taste.
- Not a fan of spice? Skip the jalapeño altogether. If you're making this hummus recipe for a party, double the batch, but omit the jalapeño from half. Or make the double batch and add ½ an avocado to just half. It's simple to customize!
Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus
This Cilantro Jalapeño Hummus makes a lot and it's excellent. If you're an avocado lover, try adding ½ an avocado to the batch - it's delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoon tahini
- juice ½ lime
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt, more to taste
Instructions
- Place the garlic clove in a food processor and pulse 4-5 times until it's minced. Add the jalapeños and pulse 4-5 more times. Add the garbanzo beans and process until they're smooth. Add the tahini, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and salt; process until it's smooth and creamy.
- The hummus will be thick (you may prefer it this way, especially if you're using it as a spread instead of a dip). If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time, blending between each addition, until it's the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 174Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 269mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 3g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Mary@FitandFed says
Great idea to make more than one kind of hummus at once. You could make several kinds and serve them in a divided dish for a party. Cilantro, lime, and jalapeno is a good flavor combo, kind of an Asian one, which is an interesting combo with hummus. Thanks for the hummus casserole link, it looks good. Even just the idea from the casserole recipe of toasting the pine nuts in olive oil and putting them on top-- that would be a yummy touch on homemade hummus. Some of the Sabra hummus flavors come with that little bit of toasted pine nuts on top, and I love that.
the wicked noodle says
I've had that hummus, Mary, and it's sooo good with the pine nuts.
Mary@FitandFed says
Yup, finally thought to replicate the swirl of olive oil and handful of pine nuts on top at home. It was good. Now I just need to work on some of your more adventurous hummus variations.
the wicked noodle says
I love to do that olive oil swirl!
twitter_kaycemick says
Hummus is delicious! I love dipping baby carrots, sugar snap peas, pita bread or pita chips, and any veggie really into hummus. I also like spreading it on a leaf of lettuce and rolling it up like a burrito. <3
the wicked noodle says
I love eating it that way, too! And it's so healthy for you, love it!
EGLMRGRL says
I've never tried hummus actually but I'm willing to give it a shot because people are constantly raving about it. I'll definitely give this one a try!
the wicked noodle says
Great! Let me know what you think!
Andrea Meyers says
I'm addicted to hummus and love the idea of making to different flavors in one batch, especially with the avocado. Yum!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, A!
Heather says
This recipe is simply amazing! I currently live overseas with the military, but fell in love with Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus last summer when we were visiting the states. Now, I am happy to report I can make even better hummus at home! Thank you!
the wicked noodle says
You're so welcome, Heather!! Thanks for the great comment - gave me a big smile!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I am eating more and more hummus, finding it so tasty and satisfying. I haven't yet made my own, but am planning on it very, very soon. Yours looks superb!!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Brenda!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Lovely photos of drool-worthy hummus. I would love to try the avocado version 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Kiran!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Love hummus! It's the perfect snack or appetizer.
the wicked noodle says
Me too, Sylvie!!
Kelly says
Hey Sis!
Your pictures are really taking on an artistic flare!!!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Sis! Love ya'! xoxo
sweetlifebake says
How funny last night at a twitter party the conversation turned to hummus!! everyone had their own spin, so versatile! love the spicy kick with jalapenos!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, girl! xo
wok with ray says
You know, I've never had hummus with jalapeno and cilantro. That's interesting and I can't wait to try it. Beautiful presentation of hummus, Kristy!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Ray! I'm a big fan of your photography so that means a lot!
Lindsey says
Totally agree with using the fp to its full potential. I'm not so keen on cleaning it ever. Thank heavens for a good dish washer!
the wicked noodle says
I hear you!! I use mine a lot but don't care for cleaning it.
Living The Sweet Life says
Hummus is also one of my favourite "dip" dishes, I haven't ever made it - - nor tried a different flavour - - but I have a funny feeling that's about to change 🙂
the wicked noodle says
I hope you try it! Thanks for swinging by, LTSL!
Amy says
"...since I’ve drug out the food processor and dirtied it up, I may as well use it to its full potential." Right? That thing is such a bitch to clean 🙁 You know I love hummus. I usually make BBQ or Onion Dip flavor. Lovin' this version. Those pics are gorgeous!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Amy!! I don't make either of those flavors but I'm thinking I should! They sound yummy 🙂
Olga says
hi! Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 LOVE Hummus. Lamb and hummus is a great combo!
Chef E says
Saw you on 'The Other Tiger', and came to see what you are all about!
The Other Tiger says
This hummus looks great!
Jo says
I definitely plan on making this hummus!
LunaCafe says
Hummus is the food of the gods. I never tire of it!
Lisa says
I love mixing the Red Pepper flavor with some salsa and then using it as salad dressing - I dip my fork, stab some lettuce, chew, repeat. Those shrooms look tasty, too!
Natasha - 5 Star Foo says
I love hummus. These flavors sound fantastic!