Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus: A Holiday Twist on a Classic

If you’re looking for a vibrant, show-stopping appetizer that’s both familiar and unexpected, this festive pistachio pomegranate hummus is the perfect choice for for Christmas parties, cozy dinners, or New Year’s gatherings. Creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy, it combines the rich texture of chickpeas and tahini with the bright sweetness of pomegranate molasses and the crunch of pistachios.

This post was originally published in December 2018 and updated in October 2025.

Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Today, I am excited to share with you a festive appetizer that will be perfect for the winter holidays. So, let’s dive into this Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus

• Beautifully seasonal: Jewel-like pomegranate and green pistachios create the perfect holiday palette.
• Rich and creamy: The pistachios add buttery texture and a subtle nuttiness to classic hummus.
• Unique flavour balance: Sweet-tart molasses meets earthy cumin and olive oil.
• Versatile: Serve with pita, crackers, or roasted vegetables – or spread it on festive sandwiches and wraps.

Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus: Flavour & Texture Profile

This holiday pistachio pomegranate hummus is all about harmony. It’s velvety smooth with a whisper of sweetness and just enough tartness to make it sparkle. The pistachios enrich the base, giving it a mild nutty depth, while pomegranate molasses and fresh kernels bring a fruity brightness. It’s classic hummus dressed up for the holidays — familiar yet refreshingly different.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus

• Chickpeas: The creamy foundation. Canned chickpeas are convenient, but cooked-from-scratch ones work too. Reserve a bit of aquafaba (the liquid) for extra smoothness.
• Pistachios: Provide richness, colour, and a buttery texture. Use salted for balance or unsalted if preferred; almonds or cashews can substitute.
• Garlic: Adds punch and aroma. Roast it first for a milder, sweeter note.
• Ground cumin: Lends warmth and subtle earthiness – essential for authentic hummus flavour. Add more to taste.
• Tahini: Brings creaminess and nutty depth. You can use almond or cashew butter for a softer, sweeter variation.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Smooths and enriches the texture while adding fruity flavour. Substitute with avocado oil if you prefer something lighter.
• Pomegranate molasses: The secret ingredient – tangy, fruity, and slightly sweet. If unavailable, use a mix of honey and lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Salt: Optional if using salted pistachios, but adds balance if not.
• Garnish – Olive oil: A glossy finish that enhances richness.
• Garnish – Pistachios: Adds crunch and colour; lightly toast for extra aroma.
• Garnish – Pomegranate kernels: Sparkling jewels that make this festive pistachio pomegranate hummus irresistibly beautiful and bright.

How to Make This Hummus

It’s really a breeze to make this Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus.

In a food processor, blend chickpeas, pistachios, garlic, cumin, tahini, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and a little aquafaba. Process until smooth and creamy, adjusting consistency with more oil or aquafaba. Spoon into a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with pistachios and pomegranate kernels.

More Festive Holiday Appetizers

Looking for more holiday appetizers, just like this Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus? Be sure to check more recipes:

• Chestnut Dip (or Bruschetta)
• Festive Holiday Pistachio Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball
• Mini Cheese Balls (Festive Christmas Cheese Balls)
• Antipasto Cheese Ball (Cheese Ball for Holidays)

I’d love for you to try this Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus. If you give the recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Festive Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus: A Holiday Twist on a Classic

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and AppetizersCuisine: Author’s Recipes

Servings

8-12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

This tasty and elegant Pistachio Pomegranate Hummus is a delightful way to continue the holiday season!

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 400 gr. canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained – reserve 1/3 cup aquafaba (liquid)

• 1/2 – 2/3 cup (50-75 g) shelled salted pistachios

• 2 garlic cloves, roughly minced

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin, or more to taste

• 1/4 cup (65 g) tahini, or slightly more

• 1/3 cup (80 g) extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp. (40 g) pomegranate molasses

• salt, optional – if using unsalted pistachios

• Garnish:

• 1-2 tbsp. (15-30 ml.) extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup (25 g) pistachios

• 1/3 cup pomegranate kernels

Directions

• Add the chickpeas, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, tahini, garlic, and spices to a food processor and blend until smooth. Gradually add some aquafaba blending until the hummus reaches the desired consistency. Try and adjust the taste by adding more molasses, tahini, or spices. You may need to add some salt.
• Garnish the hummus with some extra olive oil, roughly chopped pistachios, and pomegranate.