Everyone loves hummus, but there is a whole world of delicious chickpea recipes beyond the creamy dip! Up your legume game with this list of our best 32 chickpea recipes, including chickpea salads, chickpea soups, stews, breakfasts, healthy snacks, and more!
And as a major staple of the Mediterranean Diet, we have heaps of nutritious, tasty and easy chickpea recipes for morning noon and night! You can spend your whole day with this incredible Mediterranean legume, from breakfast Sweet Potato Hash, to a Mediterranean chickpea salad for lunch to Pasta e Ceci for dinner–oh, and don’t forget crispy roasted chickpeas for healthy snacking in between!
To get all our best chickpea recipes in one convenient place, I’ve put together this list of 32 insanely delicious chickpea recipes, from salads and healthy snacks to hearty dinners and easy lunches!
What are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. Like other legumes and pulses such as lentils and beans, chickpeas are chockfull of fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy vitamins and minerals–see the USDA for their full nutritional profile.
Most grocery stores carry the white variety, which you’ll easily recognize for its tan color. Some specialty markets offer brown, green, black, and even red chickpeas. If you can find them, don’t be afraid to try the different varieties!
Canned vs. Dried Chickpeas
Readers often ask about the use of canned vs. dried chickpeas. For the most part, this is a personal preference, as both are great options for cooking. For the most part–and for all the recipes on this list–I use canned chickpeas for convenience, unless it’s a very traditional recipe like my authentic falafel.
On the other hand, a bag of these dried beans is far more economical, and I promise you learning how to cook chickpeas is not difficult. It requires no special skills, just a little extra time. I even give an option for cooking chickpeas with no soaking involved! Plus, cooking chickpeas from scratch produces a creamier chickpea. And as an added bonus you can control the sodium content and tweak the texture to your liking.
Easy Chickpea Recipes: Snacks and Healthy Breakfasts
Chickpeas aren’t just for soup or dips! They’re also a great way to add more vegan protein into your snacks and breakfasts. Here are some high protein snacks and healthy breakfast recipes that are easy to make and will keep you satisfied all day:
How To Make Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Great for on-the-go snacks or party appetizers, these crunchy roasted chickpeas are a healthy snack packed with vegan protein. And with only four ingredients! What’s not to love?
Fatteh (Spiced Chickpeas with Crispy Pita And Garlicky Yogurt)
In this quick and easy Middle Eastern classic, crispy pita chips are layered with spiced chickpeas, toasty pine nuts, and a garlicky tahini yogurt sauce. Traditionally served for breakfast, I love it for a quick weekday lunch or game-day appetizer–like Mediterranean nachos!
Smashed Chickpea Toast
This vegetarian recipe takes a humble can of chickpeas and a couple of boiled eggs and turns them into a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner in 10 minutes or less. You can also make it vegan by skipping the eggs.
Mediterranean Potato Hash with Asparagus, Chickpeas and Poached Eggs
This healthy breakfast recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes! And feel free to swap in whichever veggies you have on hand. For a vegan version, simply leave off the eggs and feta cheese.
Sweet Potato Hash Recipe with Za’atar and Chickpeas
My twist on classic American hash, with loads of warming spices like cumin, paprika, coriander and turmeric, and aromatic za’atar. A very heathy and satisfying way to start the day, particularly with freshly brewed Arabic Tea With Fresh Mint!
Chickpea Salad Recipes
Incorporating grains or legumes like chickpeas into salads is one of my main tips for how to make a salad you’ll actually want to eat. Not only do they add a good bit of heft, they also add texture and creaminess, making salads infinitely more delicious. Here are 7 dinner salad recipes you’ll love:
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A healthy, flavorful chickpea salad recipe that’s ready in 10 minutes! Simply toss fresh herbs, juicy grape tomatoes, velvety roasted red peppers, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado with a punchy Dijon dressing and enjoy. Spicy Aleppo pepper and tart sumac give it a distinctly Mediterranean flair but you can substitute with red pepper flakes and lemon zest if you’d like, or stock up on the best Mediterranean spices at our shop.
Loaded Chickpea Salad with Za’atar
Chickpeas make the base of this loaded salad with veggies, fresh herbs and a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette. Add eggplant or leave it out, but a sprinkle of za’atar is a must!
Balela Salad
Balela is an MVP in any Mediterranean diet! Packed with pops of color from fresh red tomatoes, chickpeas, and green olives, this chickpea recipe makes a festive addition to any table.
Mediterranean Chickpea Egg Salad
With jalapeños, crisp veggies, red cabbage and hard boiled eggs—this chickpea salad recipe is satisfying on all levels. You’ll love the Dijon dressing!
BEST Mediterranean Couscous Salad
When I say the best, it really is the best. Pearl couscous loaded with sweet grape tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, salty olives, and creamy mozzarella. Pack for a picnic with a pitcher of iced Karkade (Hibiscus Tea)!
Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
With chickpeas, cannellini and kidney beans, fresh herbs, and loads of crunchy veggies, this vegetarian salad is packed with protein, flavor, and texture! And it keeps well, making it great for getting ahead on lunches throughout the week.
Mediterranean Chickpea Farro Salad With Shrimp
Farro is nutty with a pleasantly springy texture, making it perfect for adding heft to salads. You can find it near the rice at select grocery stores, or stock up at our shop! With chickpeas and shrimp, this hearty salad is all you need for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Vegetarian Chickpea Dinner Recipes
Chickpeas, along with other legumes like lentils, are a great way to add more vegan protein to your diet. You won’t miss the meat in these vegetarian and vegan chickpea recipes!
Pasta E Ceci (Pasta With Chickpeas)
This southern Italian classic is weeknight-friendly comfort food at its best! With chickpeas, aromatic rosemary and fresh vegetables, it’s a vegetarian, hearty, and healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love. Enjoy as a one-dish dinner or pair it with a seasonal salad like winter radicchio salad or summer caprese salad.
Braised Chickpeas In A Creamy Pesto Sauce
This simple vegetarian recipe simmers a can of chickpeas–liquid and all–and a touch of milk until everything is tender and creamy. Homemade pesto is a special treat but your best store bought variety works well to save time. The fried lemon garnish gives it a restaurant-quality flair but is optional! Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Basil Vinaigrette
You can make this show-stopping yet easy chickpea recipe as a dinner party side dish, but I love it as a vegetarian main. The peppers are stuffed with a fragrant Mediterranean-style mix of orzo, chickpea, cherry tomato, and olives, so its essentially a salad, grain, side and main all in one convenient package!
“Date Me” Creamy Tomato Pasta With Chickpeas
Better than a restaurant! This vegetarian pasta recipe tosses big pasta shells in a homemade tomato sauce with just a touch of cream (and you can swap in milk for an even lighter version). Rich but not overly heavy, it’s great for a date night in, particularly with a glass of red wine and a crisp lettuce salad.
Mediterranean Orzo Recipe with Zucchini And Chickpeas
A quick one-pot meal for any night of the week, with zucchini and chickpeas stewed in a tasty, chunky, garlicky tomato sauce. Mint leaves add a nice freshness, and pine nuts the perfect buttery crunch, but feel free to swap in whatever nuts and tender herbs you have on hand. Enjoy as an easy vegan dinner recipe!
Moroccan-Style Chickpea And Vegetable Couscous
This is not your basic couscous recipe! Seasoned with bold Moroccan flavors like ras el hanout and cinnamon, this protein-packed vegan meal is filled with flavor and nutrition.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls Recipe With Lentils And Chickpeas
Every meal prep maven should have one grain-bowl recipe up their sleeve. Grain bowls like this one featuring both chickpeas and lentils are great options for light lunches or a healthy and hearty meal after a long day of work.
Easy Authentic Falafel: Step-By-Step
If you want to make the best authentic falafels from scratch, this recipe is your ticket! Crispy, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it will easily become your favorite use of chickpeas. You can also make baked falafels in the oven or air fryer falafels if you prefer. Serve with pita bread, cucumber tomato salad, and tahini or tzatziki sauce.
Easy Greek-Style Eggplant
There is a reason this is one of the top recipes on the site, and definitely one of my most popular eggplant recipes. The combination of velvety tender eggplant and hearty chickpeas is satisfying and delicious.
Chickpea Dinner Recipes: Meat and Seafood
I love combining creamy chickpeas with savory meats, adding a layer of texture and flavor and upping the meal’s nutrition.
BEST Moroccan Fish
The comforting warmth from the spices, nuttiness from the chickpeas, and flakiness of the fish make a special one-pan dinner.
Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Simple, comforting, one-pot chicken and rice recipe with chopped veggies, garbanzo, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Ready in just over 30 minutes.
Sheet-Pan Smoked Paprika Chicken With Chickpeas And Carrots
A favorite from my cookbook, The Mediterranean Dish: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You’ll Make On Repeat! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a bold tomato rub with fresh garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of lemon juice and roasted with chickpeas and veggies until juicy and flavorful. It’s a whole dinner in one pan, but I never complain about rice or couscous and a fresh bell pepper salad on the side.
Comforting Chickpea Soup and Chickpea Stew Recipes
I’m a huge fan of chickpeas in soup, as they’re a nutritious vegetarian protein that adds a nice texture both when they’re puréed or left whole. All of these recipes use canned chickpeas to make them quick and easy, but you can cook from dried if you’d like more control over their texture. You can even use their broth, called “aquafaba” as a thickener. Here are some of my favorite chickpea soup recipes:
Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew)
A hearty North African dish made with pantry staples like canned chickpeas and rustic bread–it’s a great way to use up day-old bread! Harissa paste adds a smoky quality and nice heat–you can make it yourself or order from our shop. Garlic, cumin, lemon, and fresh parsley bring bold flavor in just about 40 minutes! While traditionally served for breakfast with tuna and a poached egg, you can tweak this one as you like and enjoy it for lunch and dinner. Pickled turnips, olives, and preserved lemons or fried lemons all come to mind.
Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Soup
This vegan and gluten-free recipe is so hearty, flavorful and satisfying! Filled with sweet potatoes, veggies, and warming spices turmeric and fresh ginger, it’s especially comforting on a winter night, but I honestly love it all year. You don’t need anything more, but I love pita bread for dipping.
Mediterranean Spinach Stew with Chickpeas
Turn frozen spinach into a hearty meal with this vegan Mediterranean Stew, complete with canned chickpeas, tomatoes, vermicelli noodles, and bold Eastern Mediterranean flavors. Satisfying and easy-to-make, it’s the perfect cozy recipe for chilly nights. Serve on its own, or with a squeeze of lemon juice, sprinkle of feta cheese, and good crusty bread on the side.
Tomato And Chickpea Chili (Two Ways)
The perfect vegan chili, layered with veggies, aromatics, and a simple chili seasoning. You can make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
Bell peppers, almonds, and spinach together with garbanzo… Full of flavor from garlic, vinegar, and warm notes of cumin and smoked paprika. Perfect as tapas or a satisfying vegan dinner!
Harira (Vegetarian and Gluten Free)
A classic Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup with fresh herbs and loads of warm spices. This satisfying vegetarian soup is even better the next day, so it is the perfect make-ahead pot to feed a little crowd. I typically serve it with lemon slices and warm pita bread.
Mediterranean Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto
This chunky soup has three different beans and a whole host of immunity-boosting ingredients to keep you running strong. And that tomato pesto sauce makes all the difference!
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew
This hearty vegan stew is a Mediterranean version of Indian chana gobhi curry. Your new favorite takeout-made-at-home recipe!
Instant Pot Chickpea Soup (Stovetop and Slow Cooker Options)
Despite the title, the recipe contains directions for stovetop cooking for those who don’t own an instant pot. And yes—it’s just as delicious! Low-Carb, vegan, and gluten free. Serve with your favorite gluten free bread or homemade pita for dipping.
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, one-pot, budget meal friendly, need I say more? Seriously, though, it’s so easy to make and you can use any in-season vegetables you have on hand.
Easy Moroccan Lamb Stew
Rich lamb broth seasoned with layers of spices and herbs tops the buttery braised lamb and creamy chickpeas in this hearty stew. You’ll want to soak up every last drop of this stew, so have lots of fresh pita handy.
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Love these recipes! I have already tried a few of these and can’t wait to keep working my through the list!
Hi Susan
Do you have an App for your web.
It will good thing for your products.
Thank you
Gabe
Not at the moment…possibly in the future. Thanks for sharing.
So many great and tasty ideas here but my favorite is the Chickpea Stew. SO delicious, and I’ll be making it again soon.
Love me some crunchy roasted chickpeas! Homemade are even better than store bought.
Thank you for sharing this! Mediterranean food is actually very allergy friendly and my son is pretty much allergic to everything so Mediterranean food has been our go-to. Plus, it’s very healthy and clean and chickpeas are a favorite in my family!
I can’t wait to try that Mediterranean chickpea salad! So delicious!
So many amazing ideas to use chickpeas with. I just love you incorporate them into things like stews or rices. They add such awesome flavor. Thanks!
I’m looking forward to trying the entire chickpea series. FYI – every recipe I’ve tried has been delicious! I love that I can refer to the videos for steps where I have a question or two. You are sharing a wonderful and unique gift with the world, and I look forward to receiving your weekly updates.
Thank you so much, Linda! Your kind comment means a lot to me.
love your recipes, my only problem is I can spend the whole day watching you make the recipes, I wish I could make them all, they look so good and tasty, I have tried a few and they always turned out fabulous, thank you ,you are a great cook.
Try cold smoked chickpeas
Sounds great!
Being new to this way of eating, I bought a few tins of chickpeas yesterday and had no idea what to make with them – until your email arrived in my inbox this morning!
Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes ?
Brenda, I can’t wait to hear which recipes you try!
Thank you for all your amazing dishes. I make something from your recipes every single day!
Oh that makes my day! Thank you
I cook chickpeas in my Instant Pot using no soak method. Turn out perfect every time.
Instant pot is great for cooking legumes. Thanks for sharing!
By far my favorite bean. I also use the cooking liquid for soups, rice, quinoa, etc. It is full of nutrients and contains aquafaba, which can be turned into vegan whipped cream. It works as a great thickener for broths, etc.
Great list of uses, thank you!!!
Wow! I don’t even know which to try first! I want them all!
Enjoy! Thanks, Christine!
Chickpeas are a staple in our house, thanks for all these wonderful ways to use them!
I know…we use chickpeas here daily! Enjoy!