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This hummus without tahini is packed full of cashew butter, chickpeas, and lots of lemon and garlic flavor. Perfectly smooth and perfect for dipping with toasted pita or crunchy vegetables.

Sometimes I want dinner to be something simple, like me, some dip, crunchy vegetables, and chips.
Snack food as dinner might be my favorite type of dinner. I mean, what’s better than munching the night away?
As you all know, I have a major love for all things hummus, and that includes picking it up at the store as well as making my own.
I don’t typically keep tahini in the house, so I like to swap it out with a little cashew butter instead.
It’s lighter in flavor than some other nut butter (I’m looking at you, almond butter!) and not overly expensive.
PLUS, my local grocery store has its organic store brand of cashew butter for only $6.99 a jar. Totally a steal!
Don’t have chickpeas on hand? Try this butter bean hummus!

Tahini free hummus ingredients
- Canned chickpeas
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Cashew butter
- Olive oil
- Water
- Kosher salt
- Toppings
Why make your hummus without tahini
Another reason I love using cashew butter is because I’m slightly allergic to sesame.
You’re probably thinking, “Ummmm, I’ve seen you post recipes using tahini-packed hummus before…” you’re right. I have. And I still make them ALL THE TIME for my husband and friends.
I have no issues with being around the stuff, but if I eat more than five bites, I start to get a little itchy.
And a little red. And a little sweaty. And a little full of hives.
All in all, it was not a good time.
I once told my allergist I still eat sesame-filled things, but I take it easy and only take a few bites.
She did not like this answer.
At. All.
In fact, she told me to cease my behavior immediately and don’t be such a dingus.
Ok, she didn’t call me a dingus, but she did tell me to stop eating it. Sigh.

But, since it’s still safe for me to be around, I often make crazy good recipes for him with traditional hummus, and I eat my hummus without tahini.
This version is PACKED with lemon flavor and just a hint of garlic.
Then, I top it with a few drizzles of extra virgin olive oil, minced parsley, toasted pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds.
Don’t those little seeds look like rubies? I love the way they look. And taste. Obviously.
More hummus recipes
- Craving the flavors of Thanksgiving stuffing wrapped up in a dip? Try my Thanksgiving Stuffing Topped Hummus.
- Want a fast and easy seasonal dip? Try my Easy Pumpkin Hummus.
- Looking for a flavor-packed vegetarian dish? Try my Broccoli Rabe and Hummus Topped Sweet Potatoes.
- Need a protein-packed breakfast dish? Try my Shakshuka Hummus Toast.
Tahini Free Hummus

Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, more for topping
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Minced fresh parsley, for topping
- Pomegranate seeds, for topping
- Toasted pine nuts, for topping
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, cashew butter, water, olive oil, and kosher salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and add more kosher salt if needed. If hummus is not smooth enough you can drizzle in some olive oil or lemon juice and blend until desired consistency is reached.
- Add hummus to a serving bowl or plate and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pine nuts before serving.
- Serve with pita and fresh vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.












Yum! I love hummus too. This sounds really delicious. Great idea to substitute with cashew butter. I just tasted a dip the other day where they put hummus on the bottom and then topped it with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. I had never seen it like that, but it was great:)
Love the use of cashew butter!
looks great to be honest I made baba ganoush recently and think I added too much tahini too yuck
although tahini doesn’t attack me as it does you, i never buy the stuff. i do love me some hummus, though, and have taken to using peanut butter in its place. cashew butter would be even tastier, and i love the touch of lemon!
–I buy hummus every time I get groceries. And I eat it all week long with blue chips. I’m utterly addicted. The lemon hummus looks devine. 🙂 I shall TRY to make it 🙂 Thanks.
That is the best thing about making it yourself beside the cost factor! It sounds great! Hummus is a lot like pesto so many good ways to make it. I like adding white beans to mine it makes it so creamy.
I’m a huge fan of hummus, but I also love cashews. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks!!
What a great idea!! I love hummus and I’ll have to try this one! 🙂
I’m thinking the flavor of cashews really would make this taste wonderful!
Oh wow! love the twist. bookmarking!