Let’s give chickpeas the moment in the spotlight they deserve! With these healthy canned chickpea recipes, you’ll find easy ways to include more of this fiber-rich legume in your diet. With recipe suggestions ranging from hearty salads, soups and filling main meals with chickpeas to smoothies, muffins and even cookies, adults and kid alike will love these nourishing recipes with garbanzo beans.
I love chickpeas and could honestly eat them with every meal — they’re so versatile and nutritious! They’re also an incredible source of plant-based protein for all of my vegetarian readers out there.
I pulled together all of my fave flavorful recipes featuring canned chickpeas (though you could always use dried chickpeas that you’ve cooked, instead).
What to make with chickpeas
One of the many reasons I use chickpeas so often is because you can make so many different types of recipes with them thanks to their mild flavor and texture.
In this round-up alone we have recipes like hummus, pastas, salads, cookies, smoothies, soups, pasta, muffins, tacos, and even cookie dough (!!!).
Chickpeas have a creamy, smooth texture but can also be crunchy if roasted. Chickpea flour can even be used as a flour substitute in baking!
Why rinse chickpeas?
While not essential, rinsing in a strainer or fine mesh sieve greatly reduces the sodium content.
There are circumstances where the starchy water in the can (also known as aquafaba) is useful, like in hummus for example.
Health benefits of chickpeas
Chickpeas are part of the legume family and are packed with nutrients. Chickpeas are:
- a good sources of plant-based protein (14.5 grams in 1 cup!)
- a good source of iron and folate
- rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is just what you need to reduce inflammation in your gut and improve digestion
- a good source of plant protein and complex carbohydrates
Nourishing chickpea recipes
.tasty-roundups.tasty-roundup-items-have-numbers{counter-reset:tasty-roundups-counter}.tasty-roundups.tasty-roundup-items-have-numbers .tasty-roundups-item{position:relative}.tasty-roundups.tasty-roundup-items-have-numbers .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-item-number{align-content:space-between;align-items:center;background-color:#606060;border-radius:50%;box-sizing:border-box;color:#fff;display:flex;font-style:normal;height:28px;justify-content:center;position:absolute;width:28px}.tasty-roundups.tasty-roundup-items-have-numbers .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-item-number:before{background-color:transparent;color:inherit;content:counter(tasty-roundups-counter);counter-increment:tasty-roundups-counter;display:flex;font-size:18px;font-variant-numeric:lining-nums;letter-spacing:0;line-height:28px;z-index:10}.ashe-dropcaps .tasty-roundups-item-number:before{margin-top:-2px}body.seasoned-pro .tasty-roundups-item-number:before{margin-top:2px}.tasty-roundups{clear:both}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item{background-color:#f9f9f9;display:grid;margin-bottom:20px}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item[style*=border-width]{border-style:solid}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-has-image[style*=border-radius]{overflow:hidden}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container{padding:20px}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container h2,.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container p.tasty-roundups-description{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container h2{line-height:normal}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container h2 a{border:none;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-button{align-items:center;background-color:#fff;border:1px solid hsla(0,0%,77%,.4);border-radius:2px;display:inline-flex;justify-content:center;line-height:normal;padding:.5em 1em;text-align:center;text-decoration:none}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-item-number[style*=border-width]{border-style:solid}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-image-container{height:100%;-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;overflow:hidden}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item .tasty-roundups-image-container img{height:100%;-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;width:100%}@media only screen and (min-width:768px){.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left.tasty-roundups-item-has-image{grid-template-columns:256px auto}}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-image-container{grid-column:1;grid-row:1;width:256px}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-content-container{grid-column:2;grid-row:1}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-item-number{bottom:0;left:-34px;margin:auto 0;top:0}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-top{grid-template-columns:repeat(1,minmax(0,1fr));row-gap:0}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-top .tasty-roundups-image-container{max-height:600px}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-top .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-item-number{left:0;margin:0;top:-36px}@media only screen and (min-width:768px){.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right.tasty-roundups-item-has-image{grid-template-columns:auto 256px}}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-image-container{grid-column:2;grid-row:1;width:256px}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-content-container{grid-column:1;grid-row:1}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-item-number{bottom:0;margin:auto 0;right:-34px;top:0}.tasty-roundups-affiliate a{align-items:center;display:flex}.tasty-roundups-affiliate svg{color:#667;margin-left:.5em;width:140px}@media only screen and (max-width:768px){.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left,.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right{grid-template-columns:100%}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-image-container,.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-image-container{grid-column:1;grid-row:1;max-height:600px;width:100%}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-content-container,.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-content-container{grid-column:1;grid-row:2}.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-left .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-item-number,.tasty-roundups .tasty-roundups-item.tasty-roundups-item-align-right .tasty-roundups-content-container .tasty-roundups-item-number{left:0;margin:0;top:-36px}}
Chickpea Tacos (that taste like taco meat!)
Incredible Chickpea Tacos with a super “meaty” vegan filling made with mushrooms, chickpeas, walnuts, and homemade taco seasoning. A super satisfying and healthy weeknight meal that serves a crowd. Carnivores and vegetarians alike will love these filling and flavorful tacos. Gluten free!
Healthy Vegan Meatballs with Chickpeas
Hearty and filling Vegan Meatballs made with nourishing ingredients like chickpeas, mushrooms, and walnuts for the plant-based Italian dinner of your dreams! Gluten-free option and kid-friendly.
Nourishing Banana Chickpea Muffins (protein-packed!)
Fluffy Banana Chickpea Muffins that are super moist, flourless and protein-packed! A fun kid-friendly healthy snack that’s low in sugar and gluten free.
Lemon Orzo Chickpea Soup with Spinach
Your new favorite soup is here! Say hello to cozy and bright Chickpea Soup with orzo, fresh lemon juice, spinach and cashews for creaminess. This healthy one-pot-meal tastes even better as leftovers.
Rainbow Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Vibrant and nourishing Rainbow Mediterranean Chickpea Salad–an easy, filling vegetarian main or side dish. Packed with flavor from fresh colorful veggies, herbs, and a simple red wine vinaigrette.
Chickpea Veggie Burger Patties with Pumpkin Puree
Hearty, firm Veggie Burgers made with chickpeas and pumpkin and paired with creamy Chipotle Yogurt Sauce. High in protein, bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect vegetarian dinner! Freezer friendly.
Healthy Vegan Cookie Dough
Edible Vegan Cookie Dough made with chickpeas and loaded with chocolate chips. Tastes nothing like beans! Enjoy it by the spoonful. Gluten free.
Vibrant 10-Minute Curried Chickpea Salad
Amazing, vibrant 10-Minute Curried Chickpea Salad with the best tahini dressing, packed with flavors and textures! A best-seller at our restaurant for a reason. Enjoy this easy vegetarian main for healthy lunches or as a dinner side all week by itself or in a wrap. Vegan and gluten free.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Enjoy this crave-worthy Chickpea Salad Sandwich made with no mayo for an easy and healthy lunch. This satisfying recipe comes together in under 15 minutes!
Tuna and Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ten-minute Tuna and Chickpea Salad with bright lemon tahini dressing, veggies, and herbs. A quick and easy lunch, no cooking required!
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
When your sweet tooth strikes but you still want something healthy, these chickpea cookies are the perfect solution! They’re soft and chewy, completely vegan, gluten free and so easy to make.
Healthy Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce
Vegan Buddha Bowl with chickpeas, broccoli and carrots plus the best peanut sauce! A flavorful one-bowl meal packed with plant protein, great for adults and kids alike.
Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Chickpea Blondies with Maple Glaze
Flourless gingerbread blondies made with high-protein chickpeas! These vegan and gluten-free snack bars make the perfect healthy treat for kids and adults alike.
Kung Pao Chickpeas
These Kung Pao Chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful sauce that rivals your favorite take-out restaurant, and they couldn’t be much easier to prepare. Just throw the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning and it will be ready for you by dinnertime!
Curried Chickpea Bowls with Cauliflower
Gorgeous Chickpea Bowls with cauliflower, sweet potatoes, rice, and crave-worthy almond curry sauce. A bright, easy and healthy vegetarian meal packed with flavor! Vegan and gluten-free.
The BEST Hummus
Learn how to make homemade hummus with this easy, 7-ingredient hummus recipe! It comes together in minutes, and it’s SUPER creamy, smooth & fresh.
Snickerdoodle Chickpea Smoothie
A deliciously creamy smoothie made with chickpeas that tastes just like a snickerdoodle cookie! Sip on this healthy high-protein Snickerdoodle Chickpea Smoothie for a balanced breakfast or post-workout treat.
Chickpea Brownies
These Dark Chocolate Chickpea Brownies are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and grain-free. The recipe only requires a few pantry essentials you probably already have on-hand, and a blender!
Chickpea Tuna Salad
Easy and filling Chickpea Tuna Salad packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and the best Italian dressing for the ultimate healthy lunch! Done in 20 minutes.
Chopped Thai-Inspired Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing
Beautiful vegan chopped Thai-inspired chickpea salad with a rainbow of veggies and a super flavorful curry peanut dressing. Nourishing, easy to make, and a great way to get your veggies in!
One Pot Moroccan-Inspired Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Sweet & savory 30-minute Moroccan-inspired chickpea quinoa salad made in one pot. This vegan chickpea quinoa salad recipe packs plenty of plant-based protein and delicious, global flavors from cumin, turmeric and cinnamon. The perfect vegetarian meal to prep for lunch!
Pasta e Ceci (Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew)
Pasta e Ceci is classic Italian comfort food at its finest. Budget-friendly, made in one pot, and on the table in right around 30 minutes, this cozy soup is strikingly simple. Best served with crusty Italian bread and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta with Chickpeas
Fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta with Chickpeas is a one-pot-meal on the table in under twenty minutes! Vegetarian and easily gluten-free.
Muhammara Chickpea Skillet
Muhammara Chickpea Skillet takes everything you love about the classic Middle Eastern dip in a 20-minute skillet meal. Serve with pita or naan for a delicious vegetarian entree or appetizer.
One-Pot Garlicky Chard with Chickpeas
One-Pot Garlicky Chard with Chickpeas- Just 8 ingredients for this simple, one-pot meal that’s packed with nutrition and flavor!
Fall Harvest Chickpea Salad
This fall harvest salad is studded with refreshing watermelon, chickpeas, roasted butternut squash, crunchy pecans, and more delicious, autumn-inspired ingredients.
Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad
Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful salad perfect for a light summer dinner!
