Discover a simple, healthy & easy hummus recipe paired with creative rice cake flowers, perfect for nutritious snacking and party appetizers.
Want to make a fun and healthy snack that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat? Then this easy hummus recipe paired with creative rice cake flowers is perfect for you!
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to enjoy a nutritious treat, these veggie-topped rice cakes not only taste amazing but also look stunning.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making smooth and flavorful homemade hummus and show you how to transform simple rice cakes into beautiful edible flowers. Let’s get started!
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What Is Hummus Made Of?
Hummus is a creamy dip that is made with chickpeas, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and tahini. It’s a clean, easy-to-make, good for you food that hails from the Middle East.
How to Make This Easy Hummus Recipe
If you are looking for a fun appetizer that is easy to make, healthy, and pretty to look at, you’ve got to try this easy hummus recipe. It takes minutes to prepare and is a great way to get your kids or grandkids involved in the kitchen.
I was inspired to make it look pretty for my supper club’s garden party this month, so today, we are making some pretty rice cake flowers to accompany the hummus dip as well.
Feel free to make this hummus recipe with or without the veggie flower decorations. Because you can easily serve it with cut-up veggies or crackers too.
Wait until you try this simple recipe for hummus with rice cake flowers.
Essential Ingredients to Make Easy Hummus Recipe
- chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- tahini
- lemon juice
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Hummus Dip: Step-By-Step Directions
Gather the hummus recipe ingredients.
Some recipes mention to peal the garbanzo beans first, but I usually don’t do that. I also use them direct from the can as opposed to starting with dry chickpeas.
While you can rinse the chickpeas if you want, I don’t because I use the liquid from the can in this recipe to add a little more flavor and make the consistency more creamy.
Feel free to add other ingredients like cumin or red peppers to jazz up the flavor for this hummus recipe if you want, but I think it’s good on its own.
In a blender or food processer, add the tahini with lemon juice first. Then blend it for 30 seconds to a minute before adding your chickpeas, garlic, and extra virgin olive with salt and pepper to taste.
Blend the hummus mixture until smooth and creamy. Then serve immediately or refrigerate.
Step-By-Step Guide to Make Rice Cake Flowers
To start, we’ll make the hummus dip recipe and then we’ll set it aside in the refrigerator while we make the rice cake flowers. If you are serving for a party, hold off making the flowers until just before serving so they stay fresh.
While the hummus recipe is super simple and quick to make, the rice cake flowers take a bit more time. If you don’t want to make the rice cake flowers, simply serve this hummus dip recipe with fresh cut veggies on a platter.
But it sure is a fun way to eat and serve this appetizer as a healthy snack, garden party, tea party, or brunch. At the end of the day, do what’s easier for you. But if you are looking for a fun way to serve hummus dip, try making the rice cake flowers.
Essential Ingredients to Make Rice Cake Flowers
- plain rice cakes
- hummus dip
- small cucumbers
- radishes
- baby carrots
- sliced cheddar cheese
- cherry tomatoes
- flower-shaped cookie cutters
How to Make Veggie Flower Decorations
In full disclosure, the rice cake flowers I found on Pinterest and thought they’d be a great way to share and enjoy this easy hummus recipe. So totally not my idea, but we are replicating it here to accompany this hummus dip recipe.
To make the rice cake flowers, start with one plain rice cake. Smooth on a tablespoon of the easy hummus recipe we made above, then set aside.
Follow these directions to make each different type of rice cake flower.
Cucumber Rice Cake Flowers
Evenly slice a cucumber into slices. I sliced these by hand, but if you want to get the cucumbers to be the exact same size, use a mandolin slicer.
With a flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut a few slices of cheddar cheese to make the flower centers. Halve some cherry tomatoes.
To assemble the flowers, simply overly the cucumbers as the petals until it goes around the entire rice cake. Then top it off with a slice of the cheese and halved cherry tomato. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Radish Rice Cake Flowers
Similar to the cucumbers, evenly slice radishes. Start on the outer edges and work your way around. Then make a second layer starting slightly inside the first layer, then repeat until the rice cake is covered. Add a halved cherry tomato to make the flower center.
Carrot Rice Cake Flowers
Make a small center of cucumbers. If you have a larger cucumber, cut a flower shape from the cucumber. Arrange baby carrots in a circle around the cucumber slices to form the petals. Then top it off with a halved cherry tomato.
Cherry Tomato Rice Cake Flowers
Halve the tomatoes then layer around the rice cake to form the petals. Top it off with a cucumber slice or cheddar cheese cut in the shape of a flower in the center.
Tips for Serving and Presentation
Creating a stunning presentation for your rice cake flowers not only enhances their visual appeal but also makes them more enjoyable to eat. In this section, we’ll explore various serving suggestions and presentation tips to ensure your snack stands out.
From arranging your creations on colorful platters to garnishing them with fresh herbs, these ideas will help you create a beautiful and appetizing display. Additionally, we are covering some tricks for enhancing the visual appeal and suggest complementary accompaniments that pair perfectly with your rice cake flowers. Let’s dive into the details!
Serving Suggestions
For a versatile snack, consider serving these rice cake flowers as appetizers at parties or gatherings. They also make a perfect healthy snack between meals. To create a balanced snack platter, pair the rice cake flowers with fresh fruit or nuts.
Presentation Tips
To make your rice cake flowers visually appealing, arrange them on a large, colorful platter. Use a variety of vegetables to create a colorful assortment of flowers. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a touch of green and extra flavor. For added convenience, serve with extra hummus on the side for dipping.
Enhancing Visual Appeal
Elevate the look of your rice cake flowers by using cookie cutters to shape vegetables into uniform flower petals. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle paprika or sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. For a garden-like presentation, place the rice cake flowers on a bed of greens.
Serving Accompaniments
To complement the hummus, include a selection of cheese and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired snack board. Add a variety of dips such as tzatziki or baba ganoush to enhance the flavor experience. For additional crunch and variety, serve the rice cake flowers with whole grain crackers or pita chips.
Health Benefits of Snacking on Hummus and Vegetables
Enjoy the numerous health benefits of this easy hummus recipe paired with vibrant vegetable toppings. Hummus provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats, promoting heart health and digestion. The vegetable toppings add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness. Together, they create a balanced, nutritious snack that boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and helps maintain a healthy weight. This delicious combination is a tasty way to enjoy a healthful treat!
Healthy Hummus Recipe with Veggie Flower Decorations FAQ
Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, or serving ideas, this section has you covered. Dive into these FAQs to get all the information you need to ensure your hummus and rice cake flowers turn out perfectly every time. And if you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out!
What is Tahini?
If you aren’t sure what tahini is, it is a staple in most Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets and can be found at the grocery store in the condiment aisle. It is a sesame seed paste that is made from hulled sesame seeds, oil, and occasionally salt. From what I understand, it is also pretty simple to make but I’ve never made it myself.
Is Eating Hummus Good For You?
The answer is a resounding YES! When you look at each of the individual ingredients, they are all super foods in one way or another that are good for your health. What you serve it with, may be more or less nutritious, but the hummus itself is very high in nutrition. Ingredients found in hummus have been linked to a health benefits that include:
- improved digestive system
- reducing inflammation
- controlling blood sugar levels
- helping with weight loss
- lowering the risk of heart disease
How Do You Properly Eat Hummus
To get the most health benefits out of eating hummus, it’s best to enjoy it with nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Hummus is pretty versatile and can be served with a variety of foods that include:
- Vegetable Dip
- Fruit Dip
- Sandwich Spread
- Dressing for Mediterranean Bowls
- Salad dressing
- Pasta Sauce
Sometimes I’ll even enjoy it with scrambled eggs. I’ve been on a hummus kick all summer long. With all of my girls home under one roof, I can’t keep enough of it in the house! So I’ve been making this hummus dip recipe weekly.
What Are the Disadvantages of Hummus?
Because it is most often served as a dip, sometimes we don’t keep track of how much we are consuming. While hummus is a super food, too much of a good thing can be a lot around the waistline. So keep an eye on the portions and enjoy it in moderation.
How Long Does Hummus Last?
Homemade hummus should last about 3-4 days. Store-bought hummus has a bit longer shelf life because it is made with preservatives, so you might get about 6-7 days out of hummus purchased at the market. Either way, hummus should be kept refrigerated and used within a few days before it spoils.
Final Thoughts About Making Hummus With Vegetables
Aren’t these adorable?
Creating this easy hummus recipe with rice cake flowers is a fun and healthy way to enjoy a nutritious snack or appetizer. The combination of smooth, flavorful hummus and colorful vegetable-topped rice cakes is both visually appealing and packed with health benefits. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a creative snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
Incorporate this delightful dish into your snack repertoire for a balanced, delicious treat that supports your overall wellness. Give it a try and share the joy of healthy snacking with friends and family!
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
Easy Hummus Recipe with Creative Rice Cake Flowers For Healthy Snacking
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 Cans Chick Peas
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1 Lemon
- ¼ Cup Tahini
- Parsley, Garnish (Optional)
- 1 Package Rice Cakes, Plain
- 1 Bag Baby Carrots
- 1 Cucumber, Sliced
- 1 Bunch Radishes, Sliced
- 1 Package Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
- 1 8 0z Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Gather the hummus recipe ingredients.
- In a blender or food process, add the tahini with lemon juice first, then blend for 30 seconds.
- Add 1 can chickpeas with liquid and one without, plus the garlic, and extra virgin olive, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. (About 30 seconds to one minute).
- Pour into a food safe storage container. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve or make the rice cake flowers.
- To make the rice cake flowers, start with one rice cake and spread hummus dip evenly on top.
- Depending on the flower, layer sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, baby carrots or radishes in a circle around the rice cake to make the petals.
- Make the flower centers with cheddar cheese or cucumbers cut in the shape of flowers.
- Then top off the centers with small cherry tomatoes or tip of cucumbers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
