Lemony Spiced Hummus with Harissa, Pine Nuts, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Introduction
This Lemony Spiced Hummus is a bright and flavorful twist on the classic dip. Infused with fresh lemon and a touch of harissa, it’s perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack. Serve it with warm flatbread and fresh veggies for a delightful treat.

Ingredients
- 2 x 200g tubs ready-made houmous
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon, finely grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
- 2 tbsp harissa
- 4 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- ½ small pack coriander or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- Warm flatbread or toasted pitta, cucumber sticks and radishes, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the ready-made houmous with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined.
- Step 2: Spread the flavoured houmous onto a small serving plate or shallow bowl, creating a smooth, even layer.
- Step 3: Swirl the harissa through the houmous gently with the back of a spoon to create a marbled effect.
- Step 4: Scatter toasted pine nuts and the chopped coriander or flat-leaf parsley over the top.
- Step 5: Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving.
- Step 6: Serve alongside warm flatbread or toasted pitta, cucumber sticks, and radishes for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of tahini before adding the lemon and olive oil.
- Adjust the harissa amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Try swapping pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty crunch.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, a sprinkle of dried oregano or sumac adds nice flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and drizzle a bit more olive oil on top. For best freshness, avoid adding cucumber or radishes until ready to serve.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this hummus from scratch instead of using ready-made?
Yes, you can use homemade hummus as a base. Just prepare your favorite hummus recipe and follow the rest of the steps to add lemon, olive oil, and harissa.
What if I don’t have harissa?
If you don’t have harissa, you can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to add some heat and smoky flavor.
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Lemony Spiced Hummus with Harissa, Pine Nuts, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 as a dip 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemony Spiced Hummus recipe adds a bright, zesty twist to classic store-bought hummus by incorporating fresh lemon zest and juice with a hint of spicy harissa. Topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh coriander or parsley, it makes a flavorful and easy-to-serve dip, perfect for pairing with warm flatbread, toasted pitta, cucumber sticks, and radishes.
Ingredients
Hummus Base
- 2 x 200g tubs ready-made houmous
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon, finely grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tbsp harissa
Toppings and Garnishes
- 4 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- ½ small pack coriander or flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
To Serve
- Warm flatbread or toasted pitta
- Cucumber sticks
- Radishes
Instructions
- Prepare the hummus base: In a bowl, mix the two tubs of ready-made houmous with the finely grated zest and juice of one lemon, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble on serving plate: Spread the lemony hummus mixture onto a small serving plate, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add the harissa swirl: Spoon 2 tablespoons of harissa over the surface of the hummus and use the back of a spoon to swirl it gently into the spread, creating an attractive pattern.
- Garnish: Scatter the toasted pine nuts evenly on top, then sprinkle over the roughly chopped coriander or flat-leaf parsley for freshness and color.
- Finish with olive oil: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the garnished hummus to add richness and shine.
- Serve: Present the hummus alongside warm flatbreads or toasted pitta, cucumber sticks, and radishes for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute parsley if coriander is unavailable, or vice versa, according to your taste preference.
- Adjust the amount of harissa depending on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier hummus.
- For a nut-free option, omit the toasted pine nuts and consider adding seeds like toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
- Store any leftover hummus covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Warm the flatbread or pitta slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: hummus, lemon hummus, spiced hummus, harissa dip, easy dips, Middle Eastern dip, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer

