Pin it These hummus & veggie snack cups are my favorite answer to snack cravings or busy lunchboxes. Layered with creamy hummus and piles of crisp vegetables, they are as fun to look at as they are to eat, and kids love grabbing their own personal cup
I first whipped these up for a birthday picnic and now they are requested at every family gathering. They are such a colorful way to encourage healthy eating
Ingredients
- Hummus: creamy and full of plant protein use your go to brand or try homemade for extra freshness
- Carrot sticks: super crunchy and gently sweet packed with vitamins and easy for dipping look for firm carrots with bright color
- Bell pepper strips: add sweet juicy flavor and a pop of color choose firm bell peppers with shine avoid any with soft spots
- Cucumber spears: cool and refreshing great for scooping hummus go for medium cucumbers with tight skin
- Cherry tomatoes: optional but lovely for an extra juicy bite pick plump and deeply colored for best flavor
- Celery sticks: crisp texture and very hydrating make sure the stalks snap easily for peak freshness
- Pickled vegetables: a fun twist for tang and zing try sliced radishes or baby corn for a flavor boost
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash all your vegetables thoroughly with cold water Pat dry to remove any moisture This helps keep the hummus from getting watery and keeps veggies crisp
- Cut into Dippable Sticks:
- Slice carrots, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers into sticks about the size of your pinky finger This size is easy to fit in cups and perfect for scooping up hummus
- Fill the Cups with Hummus:
- Spoon two to three tablespoons of hummus into the bottom of each clear small cup This creates a sturdy dip base and keeps the veggies upright
- Layer the Vegetables:
- Carefully arrange the veggie sticks upright in the hummus so the colorful ends show at the top Mix up the colors for a pretty presentation and be generous so each cup is full
- Add Any Optional Extras:
- If using cherry tomatoes, pickled veggies, or extra toppings like seeds tuck them around the cups for extra flavor and crunch
- Cover and Store:
- If prepping ahead cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap or a small lid Refrigerate until ready to serve to keep everything crisp and fresh
Pin it My favorite part of these is how each cup becomes a riot of color thanks to the mix of vegetables Last summer my niece helped me prep them and decided bell peppers make the best (hummus spoons)
Storage Tips
Store the snack cups in an airtight container or cover each cup with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to three days If you want them extra cold for picnics pop them in a cooler
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in snap peas, blanched green beans, or jicama sticks if you want different textures Flavored hummus like roasted red pepper or garlic keeps this recipe exciting
Serving Suggestions
Serve these at game night, picnics, brunches, or as a healthy movie snack They make beautiful additions to lunchboxes and appetizer spreads
Cultural and Historical Context
Hummus is a beloved dip from the Mediterranean and Middle East It is rich in history and a staple in many households Pairing it with fresh veggies gives an ancient classic a modern party twist
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavor Try baby zucchini slices in summer or colorful radishes in spring Use roasted beet hummus or herbed hummus for fun color changes
Success Stories
My family once packed these for a road trip and every cup disappeared before noon I have seen picky eaters try new vegetables because snack cups make them so inviting at a party
Freezer Meal Conversion
Hummus itself freezes well but the veggie cups should be assembled fresh for the best texture If you want to prep ahead freeze your hummus in small containers then thaw overnight and finish assembly
Pin it As a final touch, chill the assembled cups until serving for the freshest crunch. They always disappear quickly so make extra if you want leftovers!