A Guide to 13 Middle Eastern Dips

From Hummus to Baba Ghannouj

By
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
A journalist, writer, and author, Lizz Schumer has 10+ years of experience covering food and drink for a wide variety of well-known print and online publications.
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Updated on 02/19/23
Hummus with tahini

The Spruce

You may have noticed hummus rising in popularity lately, with a huge array of flavors available at most grocery stores. But you might not have tried the delicious variety of Middle Eastern dips out there. Never fear: We've gathered a bunch for you to try. Grab some pita or pita chips and get ready to scoop up some new favorites.

  • 01 of 13

    Black Bean Hummus

    Black bean hummus

    The Spruce

    Once you've got a handle on classic hummus, switch things up with this black bean hummus variation. This healthy, hearty dip replaces chickpeas with antioxidant-rich black beans, so while it's not exactly traditional, it does sport a pleasant Southwestern flare. This hummus pairs well with tortilla chips and is an umami-packed alternative to salsa.

  • 02 of 13

    Classic Hummus With Tahini

    Hummus with tahini

    The Spruce

    This tasty chickpea-based dip is creamy and protein-rich, with a subtle nuttiness from tahini, or sesame paste. It's perfect as-is, but also makes an excellent base for your favorite mix-ins. Once you master this simple classic hummus with tahini recipe, you'll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made. Hummus without tahini is also an option.

  • 03 of 13

    Baba Ghannouj Dip

    Baba ghanouj

     

    Maryna Iaroshenko / Getty Images 

    Broil an eggplant to make this smoky, creamy dip that often appears in Middle Eastern appetizer spreads. This baba ghannouj dip traditionally served with toasted or fresh pita, but it's also delicious with chips or cut-up fresh vegetables. Drain the eggplant thoroughly after roasting to avoid any bitter flavors.

  • 04 of 13

    Spicy Moutabel Dip

    Moutabel
    Gulfimages / Getty Images

    Fans of baba ghannouj who enjoy a little kick will love this spicy moutabel dip, made with eggplant, tahini, and hot pepper. It tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, so try making it a day or so ahead if you're planning a party. Adjust the amount of pepper to taste if you're sensitive to heat.

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  • 05 of 13

    Labneh Spread

    Labneh with zaatar and olive oil

    PhotoStock-Israel / GettyImages

    It doesn't get much simpler than labneh, or strained yogurt. Spring for high-quality yogurt for this easy, delicious Middle Eastern labneh spread with a soft cheese-like consistency. Try it spread on bagels or toast instead of cream cheese, or with warm pita for breakfast or as part of a brunch spread.

  • 06 of 13

    Turkish Cacik

    Cucumber yogurt dip
    Foodcollection / Getty Images

    Cooling, creamy yogurt-based cacik (pronounced kah-SHEEK) is popular in Turkey, often served as part of an appetizer or breakfast spread. It's especially delicious in hot weather or as a side for spicy dishes since the chilled yogurt and cucumber mix soothes overheated taste buds. Try Turkish cacik with grilled meats as a sauce, or a dip with pita or chips.

  • 07 of 13

    Purslane Strained Yogurt Dip

    The green, leafy vegetable purslane is often considered a weed, but it is in fact a flavorful, vitamin-rich herb that many cultures have enjoyed for centuries. Try it in this simple purslane strained yogurt dip, called yoğurtlu semizotu in Turkish. Pulse this tangy wild plant with yogurt and garlic into a cool, zippy dip. It's great on crostini, with pita, or even by itself.

  • 08 of 13

    Ful Madammes Dip

    Bowl of fuul, a traditional Egyptian dish of pureed fava beans

    Getty Images / Clive Streeter

    Exchange chickpeas for fava beans and you've got ful madammes, a Middle Eastern spread commonly eaten for breakfast with warm pita. You can enjoy this ful madammes dip anytime, with pita, chips, crackers, or any dipper you have on-hand. Use canned fava beans for a quicker preparation, but dried will work if that's what you can find.

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  • 09 of 13

    Zucchini Baba Ghannouj

    Zucchini baba ganoush

    The Spruce / Anita Schecter

    If you end up with a bumper crop of zucchini, use up some of the prolific squash in this simple and delicious zucchini baba ghannouj dip. For those who don't generally enjoy eggplant, this zucchini variation is sure to please. Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your tastes.

  • 10 of 13

    Beet Hummus Dip

    Beet hummus

     

    jenifoto / Getty Images

    The deep pink color of this beet hummus dip is pretty enough for a fancy party, but the dish itself is easy enough to make for a weeknight healthy snack craving. This variation replaces traditional chickpeas with beets, which pair beautifully with tahini, brightening up with fresh lemon juice. Add a splash of vinegar to the beets while they boil to keep their color vibrant.

  • 11 of 13

    Soybean Dip

    Soybean hummus
    LauriPatterson / Getty Images

    Those of you who always order edamame from Japanese restaurants will thoroughly enjoy this hummus variation. For this soybean dip, instead of chickpeas, use fresh or frozen soybeans for a slightly different flavor. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to control the tang, and serve with pita triangles, chips, or crudité.

  • 12 of 13

    White Bean Hummus

    White bean hummus

    istetiana / Getty Images

    The bean and legume section at your local grocery store is a great place to experiment, so pick up some white beans for this new take on hummus. White beans are slightly softer than chickpeas, so this white beans hummus dip may require slightly less blending. If you don't have a food processor, you can mash them with a fork or potato-masher. Try adding your favorite hummus mix-ins to this version, for a creative spin on the classic.

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  • 13 of 13

    Traditional Tzaziki

    Tzatziki

     

    JulijaDmitrijeva / Getty Images 

    This garlicky yogurt dip is ubiquitous in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditional tzatziki often appears in mezze spreads and is the perfect condiment for gyros, burgers, and grilled meat (especially lamb). It's also a tasty dip for pita or fresh veggies.