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Cozy Halloween Veggie Tray with Pumpkin Hummus

pumpkin hummus veggie tray - featured image

A festive and cozy Halloween veggie tray featuring silky pumpkin hummus, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Quick to make with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
  • 1/4 cup tahini, stirred well
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup baby carrots (or regular carrots, cut into sticks)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup snap peas or sugar snap peas
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (blanched for 2 minutes if desired)
  • Optional: pita chips, pretzels, or crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. For extra smooth hummus, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute until warm.
  2. In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds until thickened and pale.
  3. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Process for 20 seconds until combined.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Process for 30 seconds until smooth.
  5. Add the warm chickpeas to the processor. Process for 1 minute, scraping down the sides halfway through.
  6. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Process for 30-60 seconds until light and fluffy. Add more water if needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or spices as desired.
  8. Wash and chop all vegetables. Arrange them on a large platter.
  9. Transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and garnish with pumpkin seeds or black pepper if desired.
  10. Place the bowl of hummus in the center of the platter. Arrange the veggies around it in a circular pattern. Add pita chips or crackers in empty spaces. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use warm chickpeas and ice-cold water. Hummus tastes better after resting for 30 minutes. Store hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; stir in warm water or olive oil if it thickens. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, veggie tray, pumpkin hummus, fall appetizer, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free