Halloween spreads are usually dominated by sweet treats and indulgent snacks, but every party needs a savory and healthier option that’s just as festive. Enter the Spooky Pumpkin Hummus with Black Olive Garnish—a creamy, flavorful dip that perfectly captures the essence of fall while looking eerily fun on the table. This hummus blends the earthy nuttiness of chickpeas with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, creating a silky-smooth spread that’s both nourishing and seasonal.

Topped with chopped or shaped black olives, you can turn this dish into a spooky masterpiece—think olive spiders, jack-o’-lantern faces, or creepy “cobweb” garnishes. Whether served with pita chips, veggie sticks, or crackers, this hummus is guaranteed to draw attention at any Halloween gathering.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of healthy and festive. The pumpkin gives classic hummus an autumn twist, making it creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with vitamins. It’s quick to prepare, vegan-friendly, and fits beautifully into a Halloween spread.

Plus, the black olive garnish is a creative way to make it spooky without needing artificial colors or gimmicks—just pure, wholesome ingredients presented in a playful way.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s nutritious yet indulgent—a snack that feels special without the guilt.
• It’s party-ready—looks spooky but tastes universally appealing.
• It’s diet-friendly—naturally vegan and gluten-free.
• It’s versatile—pairs with veggies, bread, chips, or even used as a spread in sandwiches.

It’s proof that Halloween snacks can be both delicious and good for you!

Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for roasting pumpkin if using fresh)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings & Calories

• Servings: 6–8 (party-sized portion)
• Calories: ~120 calories per serving (2–3 tablespoons)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Dip
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern with a festive Halloween twist

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh roasted or canned)
• 3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
• Salt, to taste
• Black olives (sliced or whole, for spooky garnish)

Optional for Serving:

• Pita chips, tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, crackers

Quick Directions

1. Blend chickpeas, pumpkin, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices until smooth.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice.
3. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with black olives shaped like spiders or faces.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly. If desired, peel chickpea skins for extra smooth hummus.
2. Make the Base:
   • In a food processor, add chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Blend:
   • Process until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water if it’s too thick.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   • Season with salt, and adjust lemon juice or cumin to taste.
5. Decorate:
   • Transfer hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
   • Slice black olives into “spider” shapes or place them to create jack-o’-lantern faces for a spooky look.
6. Serve:
   • Pair with pita, veggies, or crackers.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with an assortment of colorful dippers.
• Arrange veggies in a spooky design around the hummus bowl for extra Halloween vibes.
• For added drama, serve in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin bowl!

Tips for this Recipe:

• Extra smooth hummus: Peel chickpeas before blending.
• Balance flavors: If pumpkin is too sweet, add extra cumin or smoked paprika.
• Presentation: Olive “spiders” or faces make the hummus fun and festive.
• Roasted pumpkin: Fresh roasted pumpkin brings deeper flavor than canned.

Variations

• Spicy Pumpkin Hummus: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or harissa paste.
• Herby Pumpkin Hummus: Blend in fresh parsley, cilantro, or sage.
• Cheesy Pumpkin Hummus: Add a sprinkle of parmesan (non-vegan option).
• Sweet Pumpkin Hummus: Mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup for a dessert-style dip.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Serving bowl (optional: hollowed-out pumpkin for festive look)
• Small knife for olive shaping

FAQ:

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin?
A: Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling (too sweet).

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—pumpkin hummus tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Q: What can I use instead of tahini?
A: Substitute with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or skip it and add extra olive oil.

Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: Hummus is traditionally served chilled or room temp, but you can gently warm it if preferred.

Conclusion

This Spooky Pumpkin Hummus with Black Olive Garnish is a deliciously eerie way to bring both flavor and fun to your Halloween table. It’s healthy, customizable, and surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks like you’ve put tons of effort into the presentation. Creamy, savory, and perfectly festive, this hummus proves that spooky season snacks can be just as wholesome as they are creative. Whether served at a Halloween party, family gathering, or even as a fall-inspired snack, this dip will be the star of your spread.