25+ Unique Vegan Chickpea Recipes You’ve Never Tried
I can pretty much guarantee you have never had chickpeas like this! These are my most unique (and delicious) vegan chickpea recipes from main meals, to apps, to sides, and more! If you’ve been curious about chickpeas, this post is going to turn you into a chickpea lover in no time!
Common Questions
Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same?
Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same. Their names are used interchangeably on labels but they are the same type of legume.
What is the difference between dried vs. canned chickpeas?
Dried chickpeas require soaking and cooking before use, offering control over texture and seasoning. They are often cheaper than canned chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked and convenient, but may have a slightly softer texture and added sodium. I try to get a no-sodium can of chickpeas or thoroughly rinse them if they have added salt.
What can you do with a can of chickpeas?
You can make a lot of different recipes with a can of chickpeas. One of the most popular recipes made with chickpeas is hummus! You can also air fry one can of chickpeas with some spices to make a crunchy chickpea snack. You can make lots of main dishes such as General Tso’s chickpeas and more!
Are canned chickpeas healthy?
Yes! Canned chickpeas are are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The canned version retains a lot of its nutritional value. Sometimes, salt is added to canned chickpeas so be sure to check the label. I recommend draining and rinsing every can of chickpeas before use. If you’re concerned about BPA, you can check the label on canned chickpeas for a “BPA free lining” statement, like these BPA-free chickpeas from Whole Foods.
How you can eat chickpeas
Appetizer or Snack
Chickpeas can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack in so many forms!
The most common chickpea snack is hummus – blended chickpeas with tahini, oil, garlic, and more. There are so many types of hummus out there now. Just go to your local grocery store and you’ll see 10+ flavor options from roasted red pepper to caramelized onion to even chocolate (dessert) hummus!
You can make other dips, not just hummus, with chickpeas using of flavors. One of my favorites is buffalo chickpea dip (reminds me of buffalo chicken dip – minus the chicken!)
You can also make crispy chickpeas in the air fryer but coating them in oil and spices and air frying until crispy and crunchy. These are great on their own or even on top of salads or soups.
Chickpea Hummus Recipes
If you love dill pickles, you NEED to try my super popular dill pickle hummus– it’s tangy, creamy, and soooo yummy!
For fall, try out this pumpkin hummus with sage. And if you love that everything bagel seasoning, you will go crazy for this Everything bagel hummus – YUM!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is an easy snack made with chickpeas, vibrant roasted red peppers, creamy tahini and a medley of spices. Love to pair this with some fresh veggies or pita chips!
Loaded Hummus
Combine a smooth chickpea hummus with a colorful salad with this Loaded Hummus! Served with pita bread, you can turn traditional hummus into a main dish for a busy weekday meal.
Creamy Buffalo Chickpea Dip
This creamy buffalo chickpea dip will be your new favorite snack! It’s a high protein dip with a tangy kick from the buffalo sauce. This is one of the easiest dips you can make and takes only 5 minutes to make!
Crispy Chickpea Taquitos
You will love these crispy chickpea taquitos that are a mouthwatering appetizer or snack perfect for parties! A crisp corn tortilla envelops a savory, spiced chickpea filling. Dip in a creamy spicy queso for the perfect combination!
Side Dishes with Chickpeas
A simple can or two of chickpeas can quickly be turned into a flavorful refreshing side dish. This can be in the form of a salad or warm dish.
One of my favorite refreshing salads is this lemony chickpea salad (below) that is ready in just about 15 minutes!)
Lemony Chickpea Salad
Looking for a quick, refreshing lunch? This chickpea salad with fresh lemon is packed with fresh flavors including juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, and fresh mint and parsley. This is an easy lunch ready in less than 20 minutes!
Total Time: 15 minutes
More Refreshing Chickpea Sides
This quinoa chickpea salad and pesto orzo salad (with chickpeas) are great for spring, summer, or really anytime! I love to make them for a make–ahead lunch and eat for a few days.
These chickpea side dishes are also great for BBQs or picnics and are super easy to make ahead of time.
Main Dishes
The number ways to make main dishes with chickpeas is essentially endless!
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy chickpeas. You can make simple stir fries, curries, sandwiches, soups, and more.
Marinated Chickpea Recipes
These sesame ginger chickpeas (below) are one of my most popular chickpea recipes of all time!
Sesame Ginger Chickpeas
These flavorful sesame ginger chickpeas are simmered in a delicious savory marinade of toasted sesame oil and fresh ginger. This is a great pairing with rice and any type of veggie you like and is ready in only 15 minutes!
Total Time: 15 minutes
More flavorful marinated chickpeas
These Mexican chickpeas are filled with flavorful spices and pair great with some stir-fried peppers and poblanos. If you want that ring, try out these Marry me chickpeas and he might just get down on one knee!
Better-Than-Take-Out Chickpea Recipes
Mouthwatering…tastes better-than-take-out chickpea recipes you MUST try!
Chana Masala
(with coconut milk)
This simple chana masala with coconut milk is flavorful with warm spices of cumin, garlic, ginger and a creamy coconut tomato sauce with green chiles. Serve with basmati rice or buttered naan for an easy dinner you can make in just 30 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Chickpea Soup Recipes
Who knew chickpeas could be used in soup in so many ways? They add texture, creaminess, and protein! You can even take an immersion blender and partially blend you chickpeas to give soup a creamier texture.
Tuscan Chickpea Soup
Cozy up with a warm bowl of tuscan Chickpea Soup that is a great recipe for the cooler months. It combines Mediterranean flavors like sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs with hearty chickpeas for a creamy soup that will be one of your new favorites!
Total Time: 30 minutes
If you love mushrooms, definitely try out my Garlic Mushroom Orzo Soup (with chickpeas). For a refreshing springtime soup, try out my Lemony White Bean Soup (includes both white beans and chickpeas) with fresh rosemary.
Bowl Recipes with Chickpeas
These cozy bowls include roasted, crispy chickpeas! They are filled with delicious, nutritious ingredients and are great for meal prep.
Desserts
Who knew you can make desserts from chickpeas?! Don’t worry, you don’t taste a “chickpea” flavor at all!
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft and fluffy chickpea chocolate chip are easy to make for a delish dessert! You would never guess these cookies are made from garbanzo beans!!
Chickpea Blondies
These chickpea blondies are soft and gooey with a fudgy texture. You won’t believe these are made from simply chickpeas and a few other healthier ingredients!
25+ Unique Vegan Chickpea Recipes You’ve Never Tried
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Ingredients
Apps + Snacks
- Dill Pickle Hummus
- Pumpkin Hummus
- Everything Bagel Hummus
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Loaded Hummus
- Chickpea Chips
- Vegan Chickpea Taquitos
- Buffalo Chickpea Dip
Salads + Sides
- Lemony Chickpea Salad
- Pesto Orzo Salad with Chickpeas
- Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Main Meals
- Sesame Ginger Chickpeas
- Mexican Chickpeas
- Marry Me Chickpeas
- Chickpea Tikka Masala
- General Tso's Chickpeas
- Chickpea Curry
- Butternut Squash Curry
- Chana Masala with Coconut Milk
- Tuscan Chickpea Soup
- Mushroom Orzo Soup
- Lemony White Bean Soup
- Warm Harvest Bowl with Crispy Chickpeas
- Buffalo Chickpea Bowl
Dessert
- Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chickpea Blondies
Instructions
- Most recipes take 30 minutes-ish to prepare! Find the entire list above and click the link to the specific recipe for instructions
