Along with pasta and tomato sauce, canned chickpeas are the unsung hero of my pantry. These little beans are versatile, affordable, and delicious in any meal. If you’re in a chickpea rut, don’t worry—we’ve rounded up some more advanced recipes that put canned chickpeas in the spotlight.
Sure, some purists might argue that dry, soaked chickpeas dominate flavor-wise, but when it comes to ease and getting dinner on the table (stat!), canned chickpeas win our Heart. High in protein, fiber, iron and folate, they’re the perfect plant-based protein to replace meat and enhance the flavor of any dish. And let’s not forget their unparalleled texture—perfect for everything from creamy hummus to crispy falafel. Ready to get creative with this powerful pantry? Dive into these must-try chickpea recipes.
13 Protein-Rich Vegan Chickpea Recipes
Chickpeas are the ultimate year-round staple—whether making a cozy winter stew at home or a refreshing salad in the summer. Whether you’re looking for something hearty or a midday pick-me-up, chickpeas have you covered. So go ahead and stock your pantry—you’ll be inspired to whip up something delicious in no time once you dive into these recipes.
One Pot Vegan Moroccan Stew
Why we love it: What is it about stew that makes everything right in the world? This Moroccan-inspired stew has the perfect undertone thanks to warm spices and hearty chickpeas. I especially loved the bright cilantro as a garnish. It gives a warm feeling and burst of color.
Hero ingredients: Tomato paste gives this stew a rich texture and rich texture that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowls with Feta Yogurt
Why we love it: This bowl always hits the spot when I’m looking for something quick and easy to make for lunch. If you haven’t yet enjoyed your favorite roasted veggies on top of a rich slab of feta yogurt, let this bowl be your inspiration. It’s both filling and energizing—with no meat in sight.
Hero ingredients: The harissa is the shining star in this recipe. It’s a delicious, warming blend of chilies, garlic, oils and spices from Tunisia, and it’s the perfect finishing touch to roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas.
Grapefruit, Avocado and Golden Beet Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Feta
Why we love it: I love eating this salad in the winter when the grapefruit tastes the best, but honestly, it’s so delicious that I enjoy it year round. The mix of colors makes it a visual masterpiece, while the variety of textures elevates it well above your standard salad. As far as chickpea recipes go, this is probably one of my favorites. As Camille said, it tastes like sunshine. How can you defeat it?
Hero ingredients: Golden beets are a milder, sweeter alternative to red beets. I’m fascinated.
Fennel Chickpea Salad with Mint Chutney
Why we love it: This salad is perfect for when you need to rejuvenate. It’s light and won’t make you hungry. The contrast of spiced chickpeas with fresh vegetables, tangy spiced chutney, and aromatic herbs creates the perfect glowing bowl.
Hero ingredients: Enjoy the mint chutney. In this case, more is better.
Green Chickpea Falafel
Why we love it: Don’t be intimidated by the thought of having to fry the falafel, as this recipe calls for baking them. They’re super easy to put together and are just as delicious, familiar, and comforting as the salads at your local falafel shop. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.
Hero ingredients: Falafel is only as good as the herbs you put in it. Served with cilantro, mint, and dill, this falafel is fresh and delicious.
Classic Hummus with Pickled Chickpeas
Why we love it: If you’ve been craving to make hummus, take this as a sign to do it this week. It’s so easy to make and so much tastier than store-bought. The addition of marinated chickpeas elevates the entire hummus experience. All that’s left is to serve it with your favorite bread or chips.
Hero ingredients: Marinated chickpeas equal next-level hummus.
Pumpkin Chickpea Curry
Why we love it: Next time you need a little comfort, reach for a warm bowl of pumpkin tikka masala. It’s an aromatic, hearty meal no matter the time of year. Now is a good time to supplement with pumpkin’s nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, carotenoids, fiber and iron.
Hero ingredients: The spice blend here is unparalleled. Cinnamon, cumin, curry powder and paprika. How do I choose?
Chickpea, Corn and Avocado Salad with Grilled Poblano Vinaigrette
Why we love it: This salad is a fresh, flavorful combination perfect for any season. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with sweet corn and protein-packed chickpeas to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Served with a spicy lime sauce, this is a quick and easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. (Believe me.)
Hero ingredients: Grilled Poblano Vinaigrette Where have you been all my life?
Roasted Tandoori Spiced Chickpea Grain Bowl
Why we love it: Next time you’re looking for a chickpea recipe, follow these rules: Bowls always do. This simple, spice-filled dish is a crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier to make. This bowl is all about spice blends (it’s a long list, but you probably already have them on hand). Once these are mixed together, the rest comes together in an instant.
Hero ingredients: Grilled halloumi makes everything better. It’s that simple.
Chickpea Falafel
Why we love it: Start the week right with this simple dish. You already have most of the ingredients on hand, and it’s vegetarian (although it can easily be made vegetarian as well). As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also incredibly delicious. I like to double the recipe and make a big container on Sunday night. This way, I can enjoy deli-quality sandwiches all week long. (Yes, I never get tired of it.)
Hero ingredients: The juice of half a lemon brings a hint of tartness to the chickpea salad.
Crispy Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust
Why we love it: The beauty of this chickpea recipe is its versatility. Once you have your chickpea, gluten-free dough ready, you can make the rest of the meal how you like. I’m partial to the classic tomato sauce, cheese, and basil, but really, the options are endless.
Hero ingredients: Garlic powder gives this crust an unparalleled flavor.
Braised Indian Chickpea Stew
Why we love it: Developed by vegetarian goddess Nisha Vora, who cooks herself, this chickpea stew is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal. It’s filled with plenty of veggies, days of spices and creamy coconut milk for the perfect finishing touch.
Hero ingredients: Ginger brings a strong, spicy and fresh flavor throughout this delicious dish.
Root Vegetable and Quinoa Salad with Tahini and Maple Vinaigrette
Why we love it: This is no ordinary grain bowl. Elevate your next lunch with this delicious salad. Not only is it a total feast for the senses thanks to the perfect combination of vegetables, but the vinaigrette also has a very delicious flavor. It has all the elements you want in a great salad. You can’t go wrong.
Hero ingredients: I think using tahini as the base for a vinaigrette is always the right thing to do.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why we love it: Yep – with chickpea recipes being the subject of this roundup, did you really think we could skip dessert? These cookies rely on chickpea flour as a gluten-free base, giving them a nutty and buttery texture. If you thought chocolate chip cookies couldn’t be improved upon, this recipe will happily prove you wrong.
Hero ingredients: Finishing the cookies with a bit of flaky salt is key to maximizing flavor.
