Delicious South of the Border Hummus: An Easy & Flavorful Sabra Dip
Do you find yourself constantly grazing before actual mealtimes, just like me? For many of us, eating isn’t always a formal sit-down affair. It’s often a delightful dance of picking at a little bit of this, sampling a taste of that while cooking, or simply enjoying casual bites with friends and family as conversations flow. This joyful, spontaneous approach to food is what we affectionately call the “Unofficial Meal,” and it’s a cherished part of daily life.

In my family, there’s a long-standing tradition of everyone gathering in the kitchen before any meal, and without fail, this inevitably leads to a lively grazing session. Whether it’s my uncle trying to sneak a crispy piece of bacon before brunch or my cousins secretly munching on oyster crackers right before the elaborate Christmas Eve dinner, we’re always finding ways to get our grub on. These moments, often overlooked, are some of the most special – filled with laughter, shared stories, and the comforting aroma of food.

Embracing the Unofficial Meal with Sabra
These spontaneous culinary moments rarely get the spotlight they deserve. That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with Sabra today to celebrate and bring these “unofficial meals” to life for you. Eating fresh, flavorful food together every day is a ritual, a cornerstone of connection. And shouldn’t we pay just as much attention to the delicious snacks we enjoy while our main meals are being prepared, as we do to the meals themselves?
Let’s be honest, waiting for mealtime to officially start eating is often an impossible feat! Our appetites beckon, and our desire for a little something satisfying takes over. Instead of reaching for just any random snack this week, why not elevate your grazing game with something truly special? Enter this incredible South of the Border Hummus – a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly flavorful twist on a classic dip.

Why You’ll Love This South of the Border Hummus
This recipe transforms an already delicious base – Sabra’s Chipotle Hummus – into an irresistible, healthy appetizer or snack. It’s a fun and easy way to pack in fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making your grazing moments much more exciting and satisfying. Sabra’s Chipotle Hummus offers a fantastic smoky and subtly spicy foundation, saving you time and effort while guaranteeing a rich, creamy texture.
The beauty of this South of the Border Hummus lies in its simplicity and the burst of fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for those impromptu gatherings, a relaxed evening in with friends, or simply a healthy option to fuel yourself whenever that “unofficial mealtime” strikes. For me, this often means enjoying it during cocktail hour with my friends before a big night out, or during a cozy night in. There’s truly nothing better than putting on some favorite tunes, catching up with your besties, and enjoying delicious food and a glass of wine together!

The Magic of Fresh Toppings
What makes this dip truly stand out are the fresh, vibrant toppings. Diced red onion adds a delightful crunch and a sharp, zesty kick. Juicy roma tomatoes, deseeded and diced, contribute a burst of fresh sweetness and acidity. For those who enjoy a little heat, minced jalapeño provides a perfect touch of spice without overwhelming the palate – remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat! Creamy, chopped avocado offers a luxurious texture and healthy fats, balancing out the other bold flavors. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds an aromatic, herbaceous note, and crumbled Cotija cheese provides a salty, tangy finish that perfectly complements the Mexican-inspired profile.
Healthy & Convenient Snacking
Choosing this South of the Border Hummus as your unofficial meal is not just about flavor; it’s also a smart, healthy choice. Hummus itself is a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. When combined with a medley of fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeños, you’re boosting your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a substantial snack that supports a balanced diet.
One of the best parts? This recipe requires NO extra dishes to clean up beyond your cutting board and knife! When you simply enhance a container of Sabra Chipotle Hummus with these fresh toppings, you’re signing up for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. No dishes, no mess – just delicious, fresh food and fantastic memories with those you love.

Tips for the Best South of the Border Hummus
- Choose Ripe Avocado: Ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe for maximum creaminess. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Seed Your Jalapeño: For a milder kick, always remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeño. If you love heat, you can leave some in!
- Fresh Ingredients Are Key: The beauty of this recipe truly shines with the freshest possible red onion, roma tomato, and cilantro.
- Serving Temperature: While hummus is usually served chilled, letting the assembled dip sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature can allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate. The avocado might brown slightly, but it will still be delicious for a day or two. A squeeze of lime juice over the avocado can help prevent browning.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste!
- Add More Veggies: Stir in some corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed), black beans, or finely diced bell peppers for even more texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Drizzle with a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you crave extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: If Cotija cheese isn’t available, crumbled feta or a Mexican blend shredded cheese can also work.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial “unofficial meal,” add a scoop of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles.
- Smoky Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky notes of the chipotle hummus.
This South of the Border Hummus is more than just a dip; it’s an invitation to savor those delightful, unplanned moments around food. It’s an easy way to bring vibrant flavors and healthy options to your table, making every “unofficial meal” a little celebration. So, grab your ingredients, prepare this simple yet stunning dip, and embrace the joy of grazing with good company!
Disclosure: I received free product from Sabra and was compensated for my time as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

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South of the Border Hummus
5 minutes
5 minutes
Equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Utility Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 container Sabra Chipotle Hummus
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1 roma tomato seeded and diced
- 1/2 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1/2 avocado peeled and chopped
- 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled cojita cheese
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
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Carefully spread the Sabra Chipotle Hummus onto a serving plate or keep it in its original container.
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Evenly layer the diced red onion, diced roma tomato, minced jalapeño, and chopped avocado on top of the hummus.
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Generously garnish with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro.
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Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!
Mexican
Appetizer, Snack