Published: May 29, 2026
Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Ingredients
Optional Toppings:
- Paprika
- Chopped olives
- Oven-roasted chickpeas
- Roasted red peppers
- Oregano
Directions
- If time allows, remove chickpea skins (optional).
- Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin until smooth.
- Add liquid gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- For variations, substitute black beans or add jalapeño.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Spoon into bowls, drizzle olive oil, and add toppings.
- Serve as a hummus bar with vegetables, pita, crackers, or chips.
How to Serve
Put it out with whatever you have that the kids will eat: carrots, pita, crackers, even tortilla chips in a pinch. No one in a military community judges the details. They just appreciate the invitation.
Meet Yolanda Rayford | Air Force Spouse
When you move a family of seven across the world — eight times — you learn quickly that consistency matters. As an Air Force spouse, I raised five children while navigating constant transitions, new duty stations, and ever-changing communities.
Food became our constant.
With more than 400 cookbooks, I’ve always found that what I prepare — whether on my own or alongside my family — creates connection, stability, and joy. Cooking for a family of seven meant meals had to be nutritious, delicious, and budget-conscious. Careful planning wasn’t optional, especially during times of transition.
Over the years, our recipes evolved. Early gatherings featured classic 90s appetizers, but with more international moves, I began focusing on dishes that were simple, flexible, and quick to prepare — leaving more time to be together.
That’s how this hummus recipe became a staple.
It eventually grew into a hummus bar tradition, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, with variations like classic, black bean, and jalapeño. It allowed for creativity while keeping things easy and inclusive.
Military life taught our family resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. No matter where we landed, we built connection through shared meals and open doors — creating lasting relationships along the way.
The Shared Table Menu
Drink: Rainbow Sherbet Punch
Starter: PCS Proof Hummus Bar (this recipe)
Main: Grandpa's Steak Marinade
Side: Maddie’s Twice-Baked Potatoes (with a touch of Korean flair)
Dessert: Red, White & Blue Pavlova!
Cooking this recipe for your Fourth of July celebration? Join our "Cooking Group" in The Neighborhood now through July 4 for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Instacart gift cards to help stock your kitchen.
Posted In: Family Life, Instacart, PCS, Recipes