Cheers to all the unofficial meals that we all take for granted. It’s the small snack you have while you’re waiting for your loved ones to get home, the platter of veggies and hummus put out for guests before a big dinner, and it can even be the main feature on nights that you have no time or energy to spend on making a “real” meal.
Just so you know, this post is sponsored by Sabra. I’m lucky to be one of their Sabra Tastemakers for the year and get to create fun recipes with their delicious hummus.
You could also call this unofficial meal, grazing, but I think the word meal is more fitting. It’s more than a snack – especially if you load it up with vegetables. You’ll be pleasantly surprised what even picky eaters will try a bite of it if there’s no real commitment.
What’s the easiest way to put out an unofficial meal? For me, it definitely involves hummus since there is always a container in my fridge. Plus I always say that vegans are 50% hummus and I have to meet my quota.
Take your plain hummus to the next level with toppings. It can be as simple as chopped parsley, whole chickpeas and diced cucumbers with an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Use your leftovers for the power of good by swirling some leftover pesto on top, or even puree those extra tablespoons of a flavorful soup or stew and spread that on your hummus base.
Top with fresh veggies like tomatoes, shredded carrots, or what you just picked from the garden. Don’t forget the power of roasted root veggies or pickled veggies for upping your hummus game.
I used a quick kale parsley pesto and some Instant Pot quick “roasted” Root Vegetables to make my unofficial meal worthy of the spotlight. I had a fridge full of baby root veggies, kale, and parsley so it was a no-brainer.

Quick Kale Parsley Almond Pesto
Use this as a base and sub the green you have on hand: spinach, collards, etc., the fresh herb that's ready in your garden: basil, cilantro, parsley, etc., and your favorite nut or sunflower seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or use broth to make oil-free
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add everything but the salt and pepper to a small food processor and blend until mostly smooth. You want a few small pieces left and not a totally smooth puree.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. You can freeze any leftover pesto for another time.
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 59Sodium 7mgCarbohydrates 2gProtein 2g
Jenni says
Love your fresh pesto! The perfect topper for your Unofficial Meal!
Nancie McDermott says
Gorgeous green goodness. Looks so inviting and I am inspired to make this with all kinds of leafy greens and fresh herbs.
Sally says
Sabra hummus is my favorite store bought brand. I like it so much, I quit making it when my food processor started to wimp out. I love hummus with tabouleh made with quinoa because I can’t do wheat.