35 Easy Chickpea Recipes
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These easy chickpea recipes will help you make good use of a can of chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans. From super-smooth hummus to healthy Buddha bowls and hearty curries, these tasty ideas will change the way you look at these little balls filled with protein!
I usually have a can of chickpeas sitting in my pantry, and they never fail to deliver on the flavor and texture fronts.
Whether I’m craving a comforting stew, a bumper veggie burger, or a refreshing summertime salad, this superfood always has my back.
Oh, and did I mention that chickpeas have so many health benefits?
Not only do they have lots of plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. They can also help with digestion, thanks to their high-fiber content, and they are naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making them perfect for weight loss.
But sometimes, it’s a struggle to find healthy chickpea recipes that actually taste good.
That’s why I put together this list of over 30 canned chickpea recipes, all designed to taste as good as they look.
Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner!
35 Easy Chickpea Recipes
Easy Hummus Bowl
This hummus bowl is the perfect Mediterranean feast to fuel you through workdays.
It’s an easy-as-pie salad bowl packed with leafy greens, vibrant black olives, tangy feta, and of course – roasted chickpeas!
Containing a boatload of vitamins and a hefty dose of dietary fiber, it’s bound to supercharge your next lunch break.
Turmeric Chickpea Soup
There’s nothing better than getting your five-a-day by slurping on a rich and creamy soup.
This turmeric chickpea soup is full of fresh veggies and is topped with crispy chickpeas for that signature crunch.
Throw in the sweetness of the butternut squash and the aromatic hit of fresh garlic and you’re on to a winner.
Mediterranean Lunch Box
A colorful and protein-rich meal that’s made with wholesome ingredients and ready in minutes? Where do I sign up?
This next-level Mediterranean lunchbox transports you to the shores of Italy and Greece as you eat your way through the rainbow.
Containing everything from moreish couscous to black olives, red onion (for crunch!), and homemade hummus, it’s like winning the lottery on lunch foods.
And you can customize the proteins, veggies, and grains, so you don’t need to feel restricted either!
Easy Hummus Recipe
Honestly, this easy hummus recipe will blow any store-bought varieties right out of the water.
It’s perfectly soft, fluffy, and creamy, pairing well with everything from crudites to oatcakes and polenta fries.
To make things even better, it stores well and can be added to warm pitas or sandwiches for Middle Eastern flair!
Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry
This Chickpea Curry has everything you love about classic curry dishes.
It’s loaded with hearty chickpeas marinated in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with fiery Indian spices.
It’s made with simple ingredients, and leftovers taste even better!
Moroccan Chickpea Hand Pies
You might not think that hand pies would be quick and easy to whip up. But these Moroccan chickpea hand pies are ridiculously simple.
You’ll swap out classic puff pastry for gluten-free wraps in this recipe. But you won’t miss that buttery and flaky crust. Nope, you’ll love this crispy and crunchy alternative!
Throw in zucchini, spinach, chopped potatoes, and spices, and you’ve got a surefire dinner winner on your hands.
Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas
If you can get the base recipe right, this butternut squash curry is the best antidote for those bitter winter nights.
I adore the subtle sweetness of the squash. But it's the hearty substance and texture of the hearty chickpeas that’ll have you loading your plate with a second helping.
Easy to prep ahead and loaded with fiber and protein, it’s a well-rounded meal that the entire family will appreciate. Just don't blame me when there are no leftovers!
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
When I want an overstuffed lunch of dreams, I’ll make a beeline for this chickpea salad sandwich.
Filled with healthy veggies and slathered with a decadent chickpea filling, this soft and savory sandwich is a thing of beauty.
Despite tasting seriously sinful, this recipe is extremely healthy and oh-so-satisfying.
Basically, it’s a reliable recipe that you’re going to want at your disposal for lazy Sundays and stressful days at the office!
Really Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
When you need to lay off the chips, these roasted chickpeas will be your best friend.
They’re bursting with delicious flavors and are a gloriously crunchy pick-me-up for when your energy starts to waver.
Throw them over curries and soups or grab a sneaky handful for movie night. Anything goes when a snack is this delicious.
Hummus Pasta
This creamy hummus pasta is the perfect comfort dish, filled with slow-burning-carbs and packed with flavors.
It’s comes together in just 20 minutes. The only trick is that you’ll need to make hummus with chickpeas before you can eat it!
Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta and Chickpeas)
Who needs takeout when you can have a hearty plant-based Italian stew bulked out with pasta and chickpeas?
This Pasta e Ceci is brimming with fresh herbs, aromatic veggies, and a low-sodium veggie broth for a rich base.
But if you ask me, it’s the parmesan rind simmered in the soup that takes this simple recipe to new heights.
I mean, you just can’t have pasta without parmesan – it’s a cardinal sin in my book.
Vegan Potato Skins with Smoky Chickpeas
Is there any better comfort food than crispy potato skins? The jury's out, but I don't think so! These incredible potato skins are stuffed with smoky chickpeas for a top-notch savory breakfast that you’ll love.
A can of chickpeas, Maris Piper potatoes, classic spices, and fresh herbs are all you need to get started. The perfect satisfying side dish.
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
I’ll always turn to this roasted butternut squash salad if I need a pick-me-up.
It’s so delicious thanks to the combination of cranberries, chickpeas, spices, and a warm maple dressing that’s gorgeous during fall.
Although the crunchy pecans and hefty serving of caramelized squash are unreal, it’s the colors that keep me coming back to this one. It’s simply joy in a bowl.
Vegan Garlic Chickpea Soup
Oh man, I can’t stop thinking about this comforting vegan chickpea soup. With its creamy base and an aromatic kick of garlicky goodness, it promises to be love at first bite.
Making this delicious winter warmer couldn’t be easier. Just blend half the chickpeas, toss everything into a pan, and simmer until it’s done!
Serve it with a hunk of bread for a carb hit and you’re good to go.
Chickpea Buddha Bowl
When I’m craving a vitamin-rich dish that makes me feel like a domestic goddess, I’ll call on my trusty chickpea Buddha bowl.
The creamy avocado, turmeric tahini dressing, crunchy radish slices, and pops of color make this grain bowl shine.
Oh, and we can’t forget those cheeky golden chickpeas that add a hint of spice to this lunchtime staple.
Vegetarian Bento Box
Yep – we’re taking traditional Japanese lunchboxes to new heights with this vegetarian bento box.
It’s healthy, meatless, and completely cold which makes it a breeze to pull out of the office fridge (without battling for the microwave!).
A veggie and quinoa salad makes up the bulk of this recipe. But keep your eyes peeled for hard-boiled eggs, juicy oranges, and crunchy grapes which dial the texture up to eleven.
Chickpea And Potato Curry (Chana Aloo)
This chickpea and potato curry chana aloo is a fragrant and lightly spiced dish that’s made for chilly winter evenings.
It gets a striking acidity and richness from crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock.
So, it’s a low-cal wonder for any occasion that’s completely meatless! And did I mention that it’s ready and on the table in just 30 minutes?
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is healthy living heaven in a bowl. It’s the perfect summer refresher and stores for days without going mushy.
Made with nourishing and crunchy ingredients like sweet bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber, it has a glorious mouthfeel.
And the basil dressing? It lends the recipe an earthy kick that’s loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants. Thanks, olive oil!
10-Minute Chickpea Curry
If you’re looking for the quickest plant-based curry to ever exist, then you need to check this out.
It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals as it’s easy to prepare and is filling, rich, and pleasantly spicy.
The squeeze of lemon and pinch of chili flakes add an amazing tangy touch to the dish. And the chili flakes, coconut milk, and fresh spinach mellow things out for the ultimate flavor sensation.
Plus, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!
Herb and Chickpea Stew with Rice
I was hooked the minute I tried this Persian herb and chickpea stew with rice. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something hot, hearty, and brimming with color.
Made with chickpeas, turmeric, spinach, lemon, and a handful of fresh herbs, it’s a savory treat for those jampacked weeknights.
If the varied flavor profile and quick cooking time weren't impressive enough, it makes great leftovers too!
So, the next time you have a spare can of chickpeas in the cupboard, skip making hummus and try this.
Easy Chickpea Tacos
You’ll struggle to pull me away from a Mexican restaurant at the best of times. So, these easy chickpea tacos are my jam
This recipe is made with delicately spiced chickpeas, avocados, and hot sauce for an authentic flavor.
Plus, you can adjust the heat of the chickpeas by playing around with your spices. Extra chili, a splash of lime, more cumin – you name it, it’s on the table!
Crispy Baked Falafel
Herby balls filled with blended herbs, spices, lemon zest, and chickpeas? Sign me up!
This delicious recipe from the Middle East works beautifully stuffed into a hummus-lined pita. But you can also throw these bad boys into a salad or eat them as a healthy snack when the midday munchies take hold.
Most falafel recipes are less-than-healthy as they involve deep frying. Not this one! These discs are baked in the oven without oil for all the flavor without the added calories.
Just as a heads-up, this recipe works best with dry chickpeas.
Summer Coconut Chickpea Curry
This tasty curry is naturally rich and creamy thanks to its mix of sweet corn, coconut milk, and tahini.
I usually make this entirely vegan, but you can up the ante by adding fried halloumi for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve it with wild rice (or basmati!) and a fresh naan, and you've got a meal that rivals any takeout dish
Vegan Avocado Toast
If you think vegan avocado toast just isn’t really your thing because you have to have a poached egg, try this recipe.
Instead of eggs, you’ll top your seeded bread with chickpeas for crunch and sundried tomatoes for those quintessential summer flavors.
As it only takes 10 minutes to prepare, it’s my go-to breakfast when I wake up late!
1-Pot Chickpea Shakshuka
This one-pot chickpea shakshuka is a bean-filled delight that’s packed with smoky flavors and tons of plant-based protein.
You can enjoy this recipe for any meal, but I love loading up with it at breakfast time!
It’s the perfect rustic North African dish that’s an ideal pick for meal prep days.
Simply throw everything onto your skillet, simmer away, and prepare to please your palate!
It’s ready and on the table in 30 minutes flat, so there’s no reason not to give it a whirl.
Protein Salad (Meal Prep)
This protein salad is hearty enough to make a full meal. It’s packed with fresh veggies, and filled with all sorts of protein from quinoa, boiled egg, black beans, and chickpeas!
This salad is perfect for meal prep: you can keep it ready in a jar, and you’ll never worry about having to make a last-minute lunch again!
Miso mushrooms with chickpeas and kale
This miso-based recipe with mushrooms, chickpeas, and kale is almost always on my weekly meal plan. It requires just a few simple ingredients and the cooking time flies by.
I love the unique hint of miso, and the dash of paprika instantly lifts the proteins.
But the fresh thyme sprigs and dash of lemon juice are also key players that you won’t want to leave out!
Greek Chickpea Salad
Making this simple chickpea salad promises to be the easiest part of your week. Just mix the chickpeas, veggies, olives, feta, and herbs in a bowl before dousing it with fresh lemon dressing.
Ideal as a centerpiece for summertime BBQs or simple weeknight dinners, this vibrant salad does it all.
And get this – it takes just 10 minutes to make and can be kept in the fridge for days!
Looking for more Greek-inspired chickpea recipes? Try this Roasted Chickpea Salad, too!
Thai Red Curry Chickpea Meatballs
There’s no need to order an expensive and calorie-filled takeaway this weekend. Just head to the stove and try this Thai red curry with chickpea meatballs!
You’ll never guess that these savory meatballs are meat-free. And that’s because they’re bulked out with fresh ginger, carrots, and creamy chickpeas for a satisfying and hearty flavor.
To keep the whole family happy, feel free to use the paste to dial the spice levels up (or down!).
Oh, and be generous with the lime!
Easy Chickpea Pasta with Spinach
This chickpea pasta with spinach can be made in under 20 minutes for those nights when you can’t face cooking.
It’s made with spinach, tons of garlic, lemon, and a decent amount of Pecorino for sharpness and balance.
Thanks to the fiber and protein levels, this meal should keep you full and satisfied until breakfast.
Serve it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives and you’ll be transported to pasta paradise.
Panzanella (Tuscan-Style Salad)
When I want to go back to my Italian roots, I’ll pull out this incredible Panzanella (otherwise known as Tuscan-style salad!).
There’s no need to grab a pre-made salad from the ready aisle of the grocery store for lunch this week. Instead, toss together chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, olives, and croutons for a tasty, vitamin-filled treat.
This Panzanella is super budget-friendly and just tastes like summer. And did I mention it’s super light on the tongue and the waistline?
Roasted Chickpea and Garlic Caesar Salad Pitas
You’ll want to stock up on cans of chickpeas for this one as you’ll want to make it every day when fall rolls around.
The roasted chickpeas in this recipe are devilishly crunchy and pair perfectly with the kale and Caesar dressing for a slam-dunk dish.
Serve it with a simple side salad for a Mediterranean feast or eat it as-is. The choice is yours!
Curried Quinoa Chickpea Burgers
If you’ve never tried curried quinoa chickpea burgers, you’re missing out.
These curry-infused patties are ridiculously easy to make and incorporate ten stellar ingredients. The result? A multi-layered taste that delivers
I’m always here for the protein power of quinoa, but it’s the injection of spicy harissa and ginger that transforms the chickpeas.
To bring this recipe to life, just mix everything in a bowl, shape your patties, and sauté them for a dinner staple that’s ready in no time!
Pesto Polenta with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms and Chickpeas.
One of my personal favorites when I’m craving comfort food! This delicious polenta dish takes around an hour to make, but it’s worth the labor of love.
The combination of wild mushrooms and fresh herbs works so well with the crunchy chickpeas. Add the smooth pesto to the mix, and it’s easy to see why this recipe is my go-to guilt-free indulgence.
And the fact that it’s a one-pot meal? Dreamy.
One Pot Moroccan-Inspired Quinoa Salad
A sweet and savory Moroccan salad loaded with global flavors? You don't need to ask me twice!
This simple plant-based recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and features bold spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric.
The onion keeps things uber-crispy while the quinoa, veggie broth, and chickpeas add depth and richness.
Don’t miss the sliced almonds for a subtle, nutty crunch!
Sun Dried Tomato Chickpea Burgers
Calling all gluten-free, plant-based foodies – I may have found the ultimate recipe for burger night.
These sundried tomato chickpea burgers include ground almonds and fresh basil for a satisfying flavor and texture that won’t disappoint.
Just don’t forget to dry your chickpeas before diving in or you’ll have a gloopy mess on your hands.
F.A.Q
Canned chickpeas are incredibly nutritious and rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and folate. But canned chickpeas aren’t quite as healthy as dried chickpeas. They contain fewer nutrients and can contain a large amount of sodium.
So always opts for canned chickpeas without added salt. And just be sure to drain and rinse them before eating!
Yes. They’re far more budget-friendly, and they contain more nutrients.
Chickpeas will double in weight once cooked. So, you’ll want to use around half the weight of dried chickpeas for each recipe if you’re not using canned.
If a recipe calls for one 15-oz can of chickpeas (which is equivalent to around 9oz – 240g, drained), you’ll need to use around ¾ cup of dried chickpeas.
A can of chickpeas contains 9oz (240g). This is the equivalent of roughly 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas.
More Healthy Recipes
I hope these delicious chickpea recipes have given you a push to try plant-based dishes.
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated – it’s all about having access to nutritious recipes that taste as good as they look.
For more inspiration, check out these recipes:
- 31 Chickpea Flour Recipes
- 50+ Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes (30 minutes or less)
- 25+ Healthy Meal Prep Ideas
- 30+ Fall Soup Recipes
- 29 Healthy And Easy Spiralizer Recipes
- 35 High-Protein Vegan Recipes
- 35 High-Protein Vegetarian Recipes To Fuel Your Day
What are your favorite healthy chickpea recipes that give you a mood boost? Let me know in the comments below!
35 Easy Chickpea Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion - chopped
- 4 garlic cloves - no skin
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 large carrot - chopped
- 1 large celery stalk - chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash - in cubes (or sweet potatoes, or extra carrots)
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves - or 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
- 2 cans chickpeas - (15 oz) drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups dark leafy greens - finely chopped(kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice - optional
- salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Roasted chickpeas
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent. Then add the garlic, carrot, celery, and sauté' for a minute.
- Add the rinsed chickpeas, butternut squash cubes, thyme, turmeric, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the soup into a blender. Blend the ingredients until very smooth. Be careful, as the soup will be very hot. You can also use an immersion blender, but the soup won’t be as creamy.
- Pour the soup back into the pot, add the lemon juice and the leafy greens and cook on low heat for another 8-10 minutes, until the greens are tender.
- If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth or a bit of water to thin it down. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with roasted chickpeas or toasted bread slices, and top with fresh thyme leaves and parsley.
Loved all these recipes!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Martha! 🙂