Grilled Avocado Hummus is a fast, easy way to upgrade the classic dip! Quickly grilling the avocado on a grill pan adds a smoky flavor that makes this creamy dip perfect for parties.
With the avocado replacing the chickpeas, this is also Paleo, bean-free, Whole30 and keto!
This recipe was originally posted on Jan. 26, 2019 but was updated on June 16, 2020.
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Why this recipe works
It seems people are going to make hummus using every possible vegetable before someone will say “I know! I’ll make a chickpea hummus!” And we’ll all bask in their genius, our cultural amnesia dictating that we find this to be an innovative idea.
But avocado is a worthy option. It helps create a smooth, creamy hummus without chickpeas. It’s like combining guacamole and hummus for the best of both worlds!
This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to feed a crowd.
What you need
All you need is:
- avocados
- avocado, olive or coconut oil cooking spray
- tahini
- garlic
- lemon juice
- avocado oil
- sea salt
- red pepper flakes to make it spicy (optional)
- pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Plus:
- a grill pan (but I include instructions for a gas grill as well)
- a cutting board
- a big, sturdy knife for pitting the avocado
- something to blend the ingredients with:
- a food processor
- a mini food processor
- a high-speed blender
- a bowl with a potato masher and sturdy spatula
How to make grilled avocado hummus
Step 1: Place an indoor grill pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Halve and pit the avocado (do not peel).
Step 3: Spray the hot grill pan with cooking spray. Place the avocado halves on the pan, cut side down. Cook them for 6-8 minutes, or until they have deeply brown, almost black, sear marks.
Step 4: Use a thin spatula to remove the avocados (the peels make great handles!). Scoop out the flesh into a food processor, mini food processor or high-speed blender. Add the tahini, lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes (if using) and blitz until smooth. Depending on the thickness of your tahini, you might need to add water 1 teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. You can also add all the ingredients to a bowl and mash with an immersion blender or by hand, first with a potato masher and then with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.
Step 5: If desired, cover with plastic wrap, pressing it down directly on the surface of the hummus, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. Garnish with the pumpkin seeds, if desired, and serve with raw veggies and gluten-free pita chips and crackers.
What to serve with grilled avocado hummus
This easy hummus recipe is a perfect dip with:
- vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, radishes, bell peppers and sugar snap peas
- your favorite crackers (I love the gluten-free and Paleo-friendly Simple Mills brand)
- your favorite pita chips (ditto with Simple Mills)
But it’s also great as a spread on:
- sandwiches
- toast
- wraps
- burgers
- grilled meat and fish
storing suggestions
To store, cover the container with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly on the surface of the hummus to lock out air. The hummus may still develop a thin brown layer on top from the oxidized avocado but you can just scrape this off with a spoon.
This will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Other recipes you might like:
Grilled Avocado Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- avocado, olive or coconut oil cooking spray
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- ¾ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, if desired
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds or 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Place an indoor grill pan over medium heat.
- Halve and pit the avocado (do not peel).
- Spray the hot grill pan with cooking spray. Place the avocado halves on the pan, cut side down. Cook them for 6-8 minutes, or until they have deeply brown, almost black, sear marks.
- Use a thin spatula to remove the avocados (the peels make great handles!). Scoop out the flesh into a food processor, mini food processor or high-speed blender. Add the tahini, lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes (if using) and blitz until smooth. Depending on the thickness of your tahini, you might need to add water 1 teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.You can also add all the ingredients to a bowl and mash with an immersion blender or by hand, first with a potato masher and then with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.
- If desired, cover with plastic wrap, pressing it down directly on the surface of the hummus, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. Garnish with the pumpkin seeds, if desired, and serve with raw veggies and gluten-free pita chips and crackers.
Laura says
Let’s be honest- the only part of the Super Bowl that’s worth anything is the food. And this- omg – this is amazing!!! Such a good recipe!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
It’s so true! But any excuse to eat food is fine by me. Thanks!
chihyu says
Wow! Love avocado dips. I can taste all the yummy flavor from here.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Me, too. Any kind of avocado dip works for me (unless it’s, like, an avocado gluten dip 😉 ).
Zuzana says
I am so amazed at how great combinations you come up with in your recipes. Love this avo hummus and need to try it like yesterday. 🙂
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Aw, thanks so much! Let me know if you do!
Annemarie says
I’ve never grilled avocado before. Can’t wait to try it!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
It’s so easy! I hope you enjoy it.
Jean says
I never knew you could grill avocados and this is such an amazing idea!! Will definitely have to try this out soon.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Thanks! I hope you like it.
Joni Gomes says
This is a beautiful marriage between guac and hummus! Into it!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Exactly! Best of both worlds.
Jana says
I didn’t even know you could grill an avocado. This recipe sounds wonderful considering I’m sensitive to most legumes, especially in larger quantities.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
I didn’t either until I randomly thought of this. 😉 Some ideas don’t work but luckily this one did!
Raia Todd says
Wow, I never would’ve thought to use avocados in place of beans in hummus. I bet they give it a super creamy texture!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Exactly – and you get the healthy fats and fiber, too!
Renee D Kohley says
Oh YES! Such a fun idea – I serve lunch platters like this to my 3 girls all summer long and they will devour this! Thanks!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Awesome! Sounds like they have very good taste. 😉
Hope says
You have given me a new way to try avocado, I have had them cooked in the oven before but have never thought of grilling them to add to a dip or hummus. Yum can’t wait to try this!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Hope you like it!
kelly @ a girl worth saving says
Wow, I seriously never would have thought to make a hummus using avocado. Seriously this is genius and I know my family would love this fun twist.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Thank you! That means a lot to me because I LOVE your book Paleo Eats and have made a lot of the recipes!
Tessa Simpson says
OO, never grilled a an avo, but I can bet that lovely smokey flavor makes this dip sing! Yum!
tina says
I loooove avocados! Can’t wait to try this!
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Me tooooooo! Hope you enjoy!
STACEY CRAWFORD says
I would have never thought of grilling an avocado! I bet it gives it such a lovely smokey flavor! Brilliant, I’m going to give this a go.
Paleo Gluten Free Guy says
Normally they’re pretty much perfect as is but grilling them works really well here. Enjoy!