I use chickpeas a lot in my cooking and these are the BEST chickpea recipes! From comforting main dishes to fresh salads and snacks, these dishes are packed with garbanzo bean goodness.
If I had to choose one ingredient to take with me on a desert island, there’s no question or hesitation: it’s chickpeas, AKA garbanzo beans. These humble little legumes are creamy, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein. And if you’re not on a desert island and limited to a single ingredient, chickpeas work in everything from cozy curries and salads to sandwiches and pizza.
I always have a few cans of chickpeas stashed in my pantry because they’re the backbone of so many of my favourite easy vegan dinners and meal prep lunches. If you do too and you’re looking for some new ways to use them, here are the BEST chickpea recipes to add to your weekly meal plan.
Chickpea Curries & Comfort Food
Chickpeas are a natural in curries, soups, and other comfort food recipes. I love how they soak up the flavours of these dishes!
Vegan Cauliflower Tagine With Chickpeas
This Moroccan-inspired tagine is layered with warm spices, tender vegetables, and hearty chickpeas. Serve it over couscous or quinoa for a satisfying dinner!
Creamy, garlicky, and packed with sun-dried tomatoes, these marry me chickpeas are pure comfort in a skillet. The sauce is perfect for scooping up with crusty bread!
A plant-based twist on the classic, this chickpea tikka masala is rich, tomatoey, and infused with Indian spices. The chickpeas make it hearty and satisfying, while the creamy sauce makes it absolutely divine.
If you love creamy curries, this coconut chickpea curry delivers. The coconut milk adds richness while the spices build layers of flavour. It’s comforting, vibrant, and leftovers taste even better!
Chickpeas shine in salads, adding protein and awesome texture. You can add drained and rinsed chickpeas to just about any salad to bulk it up, but these recipes are built around chickpeas.
This one is fresh, bright, and perfect for meal prep. With crisp vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing, it’s one of my favourites to keep in the fridge for quick lunches.
If you love sweet and savoury combinations, this one’s for you. Crisp apples, hearty kale, creamy vegan feta, and chickpeas come together in a salad that’s both nourishing and flavour-packed.
This viral salad gets a boost of plant-based protein from chickpeas. It's one of those recipes that manages to be satisfying and light at the same time!
This isn’t your average pasta salad! Creamy vegan Caesar dressing, tender pasta, and chickpeas come together for a dish that works as both a side and a main dish.
Sandwiches, Wraps & Lunch Favourites With Chickpeas
If you haven’t tried garbanzo beans in a sandwich, you’re missing out! These are some of my go-to chickpea recipes for lunch.
Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Creamy avocado meets mashed chickpeas in this easy, flavourful sandwich filling. Make a batch Sunday night and use it for sandwiches during the work week!
These tacos are packed with smoky BBQ flavour and topped with fresh, crunchy ingredients for balance. They’re a fun, family-friendly dinner idea that comes together quickly.
This pizza is loaded with smoky BBQ chickpeas, fresh toppings, and melty vegan cheese. It’s a creative way to use chickpeas and makes for a seriously satisfying dinner.
Golden on the outside, tender on the inside, homemade falafel is a chickpea classic. These are packed with herbs and flavour and are perfect in wraps, bowls, or dipped in tahini sauce as a snack or appetizer.
This vibrant beet hummus is as beautiful as it is delicious. Creamy chickpeas blended with earthy roasted beet create a dip that’s perfect for parties or everyday snacking.
