13 Simple Healthy Chickpea Recipes
Chickpeas are SO versatile they can be made into just about anything, and these easy Chickpea Recipes are going to help you find your next favorite healthy meal or snack!
Chickpeas are one of the most amazing foods I’ve come across. They can be made into so many different foods including main dishes, sides, and even desserts. On this website, we have recipes like oil-free roasted chickpeas for snacking, chickpea falafels for wraps, and even dessert chocolate hummus.
Folks are even using the liquid they are cooked in, aka aquafaba, to make a huge assortment of recipes including mayonnaise, cookies, and cornbread.
Reasons you will love these recipes
- Protein-Packed Goodness: These vegan chickpea recipes are a delicious way to add plant-based protein to your meals.
- Wholesome and Oil-Free: Made without oil, these recipes are healthy, light, and full of flavor.
- Versatile and Satisfying: From creamy dips to hearty curries, chickpeas shine in a variety of dishes perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Most of these recipes come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What you can make with a can of chickpeas
I can’t think of a single bean that is more versatile than chickpeas. They can be made into so many different recipes or just simply added to other dishes. These are some of my personal favorite ways to use them.
- Chickpea salad– Mash cooked chickpeas and add a few other ingredients to make spreads like Chickpea Avocado Salad and No-Tuna Salad.
- Burgers- Seriously! Chickpeas are perfect for making Chickpea Burgers.
- Falafels- These deliciously nutty and herby Chickpea Falafel Patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
- Hummus- Ground in a blender or food processor with a little salt, garlic, and lemon juice, they become a delicious snack food and spread. We have a whole list of Hummus Recipes.
- Roasted Chickpeas- There is no better snack food than roasted chickpeas because they are crunchy, delicious, and easy to transport. Try our Air Fryer Chickpeas or Salt & Vinegar Roasted Chickpeas.
- Salads- They can be tossed into a garden salad to add protein and crunch or made into salads like Vegan Egg Salad or Simple Quinoa Chickpea Salad.
Chickpeas vs garbanzo beans
When you shop for chickpeas, you’ll notice that there are two different names for them. So what is the difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? Absolutely nothing!
Though they are known by two names, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are actually the same bean. From what I have read, the word chickpea derives from the Latin word cicer, referring to the plant family of legumes. The word garbanzo comes from its Spanish-derived name. The takeaway here is Different names–same bean.
Whether you make your own chickpeas or simply buy a can from the store, this is a staple you need to keep on hand at all times. In addition to making amazingly delicious dishes, these little bean wonders are loaded with protein and fiber.
Nutrition in chickpeas
Beans in general are healthy and a great source of protein and fiber. They are also low in fat. This is the nutrition in 1 cup of cooked chickpeas
- Calories- 269
- Protein- 14.5grams
- Fiber- 12.5 grams
- Fat- 4 grams
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are convenient and work perfectly in most recipes. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before using to reduce sodium content.
Enhance their flavor by seasoning with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, or curry powder, and roasting or sautéing for added texture.
Yes! Cooked chickpeas freeze well—just portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags for easy use in future recipes.
Chickpeas are very healthy and may even help with weight loss because they are loaded with fiber which helps you stay full for longer periods of time.
More Protein-Packed Vegan Bean Recipes
Best Chickpea Recipes
To give you an idea of how versatile this little bean is, take a look at this list of some of my favorite chickpea (garbanzo bean) recipes that include everything from piled-high sandwiches to chocolate hummus dip.
Chickpea Avocado Salad is by far my favorite vegan sandwich of all time. Something about the flavors of lime, avocado, and cilantro just thrill my taste buds.
This quinoa chickpea salad is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that make it not only delicious but also beautiful and filling.
This delicious Chickpea Burger is hearty and packed with flavor. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of my homemade vegan mayo.
This fabulous Chickpea Tuna Salad recipe is from Straight Up Food's very own Cathy Fisher. Made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, this vegan tuna is going to delight your taste buds!
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East, and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
This easy vegan hummus takes only about 10-minutes to make and requires absolutely no cooking. It also happens to be completely gluten-free.
The ultimate snack for traveling! We are loving this little crunchy, tangy, protein-packed roasted chickpea snack. Warning, you will need to make more than one batch!
This oil-free hummus with roasted red pepper requires only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make. If you have 10 minutes and a blender or food processor, you've got a delicious healthy snack.
Tired of a boring sandwich? Let me help you fix that with this Ultimate Veggie Hummus Sandwich that is piled high with crunchy vegetables and creamy hummus and can be ready in 15 minutes or less.
This low-fat Italian Vegan Hummus is delicious on sandwiches, in wraps, or served with fresh vegetables and pita bread. It’s completely oil and tahini-free, so the calories and fat per serving are very low.
These quick and easy air fryer chickpeas are absolutely delicious and completely oil-free. Choose from this tasty assortment of flavors!
This Vegan Egg Salad spread is one that I get asked about a lot. I have taken it to some of my cooking & nutrition classes to sample, and students rave. They even take it to potlucks themselves.
No kidding! This healthy chocolate hummus is so easy to make. If you’ve got 5-minutes and a blender, you’ve got a delicious dessert.
I hope you enjoyed browsing this collection of healthy vegan chickpea recipes and found plenty of inspiration for your next meal. These versatile and delicious dishes are sure to become new favorites!
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
Where can I purchase your book? These recipes look delicious!
Hi Janet- Thanks so much! I don’t have a cookbook yet but am hoping one will be in my future. I’ll keep everyone posted when the opportunity arises. 😀