Salatali hummus (hummus with chopped salad)

Creamy, smooth hummus layered with crisp, zesty salad creates the perfect contrast of texture and flavour in this Turkish mezze dish. Fresh, herby and full of spice—it’s vibrant, healthy and unforgettable.

Hasan’s Meze Feast
♦ Deep-fried calamari
♦ Atom (yoghurt-dressed peppers)
♦  Kisir (bulgur wheat salad)
♦  Salatali hummus (hummus with chopped salad)

By Hasan Semay
From Saturday Kitchen

This chickpea-based Turkish mezze earns a Nutri-score of A thanks to its nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, fresh vegetables, tahini, and olive oil, offering protein, fibre and heart-healthy fats.

Ingredients

For the hummus

• 400g dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 120ml ice-cold water
• 120g ice
• 300g tahini
• ½ lemon, juice only
• 2 garlic cloves
• Pinch of sea salt

For the salad

• 2 baby cucumbers, chopped
• 12 cherry tomatoes, chopped
• ½ small red onion, chopped
• 5g fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh mint, roughly chopped
• ½ tsp sumac
• ½ tsp pul biber
• ½ tsp cumin seeds, toasted and crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to finish
• 1 lemon, juice only

Method

1. Cook the chickpeas: In a large saucepan, cover the soaked chickpeas with double their volume in water. Add bicarbonate of soda, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 40 minutes until soft and easily crushed between fingers.
2. Remove the skins: Drain and rinse with cold water. Rub the chickpeas gently in a bowl under a running tap to tease away the skins. Discard the skins and retain the soft chickpeas.
3. Blend the hummus: Add the chickpeas to a food processor. Pour in ice-cold water and blend until smooth. Add half the ice and continue blending. Add tahini, lemon juice and a good pinch of sea salt, then blend again while gradually adding the rest of the ice.
4. Adjust and season: If the hummus is too runny, add a little more tahini. Remove from the blender, grate in the garlic and stir to finish.
5. Make the salad: In a bowl, mix cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, mint, cumin seeds, sumac and pul biber. Season with salt. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and lemon juice, then toss to coat.
6. Assemble and serve: Spread the hummus onto a serving plate, swirl to create a well. Pile the salad in the centre of the hummus and drizzle with more olive oil to finish.

What can you serve with this

1. Grilled flatbreads: Ideal for scooping and soaking up the creamy hummus and juicy salad.
2. Falafel: Adds a crunchy, spiced element to make it a more substantial mezze meal.
3. Olives and pickles: Their salty tang is a lovely contrast to the rich, smooth hummus.
4. Za’atar roast potatoes: Warm, earthy spiced potatoes work well dipped in hummus.
5. Lentil kofta or fritters: Protein-packed and perfect for variety on a sharing platter.

FAQs for Salatali Hummus (Hummus with Chopped Salad)

• Can I use tinned chickpeas instead? Yes, but dried chickpeas yield a creamier result. If using tins, remove skins for best texture.
• Is it essential to remove chickpea skins? While optional, doing so results in silkier hummus.
• Can I skip the tahini? Tahini is traditional in hummus and adds richness, but you can reduce it or substitute with nut-free butters.
• How long does the hummus last? Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Can I make this salad without pul biber? Yes, substitute with chilli flakes or mild paprika to taste.
• Is this suitable for meal prep? Absolutely. The salad is freshest on day one, but the hummus stores well all week.

Nutri-score Health Check

Salatali hummus is rated A on the Nutri-score scale thanks to the combination of high-fibre chickpeas, heart-healthy tahini, and a salad full of fresh vegetables and olive oil.

Positive Factors

• Chickpeas – High in plant protein and fibre, low in fat.
• Tahini – Rich in calcium, healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Salad and herbs – Bring freshness, vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Negative Factors

• Olive oil – Though healthy, adds calories, so best used in moderation.
• Salt – Keep seasoning balanced to maintain heart health benefits.

Nutri-score is calculated according to EU criteria from ingredient composition and is intended as a general guide to wellness-focused cooking.