High-Protein Hummus with Vegetable Dippers

Standard hummus is a reasonable snack but light on protein — typically around 5g per serving. Adding unflavoured whey or pea protein to the blend pushes it up to 15g while barely changing the taste or texture. Serve with raw vegetables for a filling, low-calorie snack.

Ingredients

Hummus:

• 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained (reserve liquid)
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp chickpea liquid (aquafaba)
• 1 scoop (25g) unflavoured protein powder
• Salt and pepper
• Pinch of cumin and smoked paprika to serve
• 1 tsp olive oil to serve

Dippers:

• 1 carrot, cut into batons
• ½ cucumber, cut into sticks
• ½ red pepper, sliced
• 4 celery sticks

Method

1. Add the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and aquafaba to a food processor.
2. Blend for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides, until very smooth.
3. Add the protein powder and blend again for 30 seconds.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, dust with paprika and cumin.
6. Serve with the vegetable dippers.

Nutrition Notes

The vegetable dippers contribute almost no calories but add volume, fibre, and a satisfying crunch that makes this snack feel larger than it is. Raw peppers are exceptionally high in vitamin C, which aids iron absorption.