18 Hearty Recipes with Chickpeas That Go Beyond Hummus

Harissa-Sauced Chickpeas with Scrambled Eggs

Chickpeas are a common ingredient featured in trendy dishes and food products these days. The mighty little legumes have fiber, protein, Iron, and other nutrients. If chickpeas are becoming a pantry staple for you, we have a slew of chickpea recipes to try. Whether you're looking for a chickpea curry recipe, chickpea soup, or an easy chickpea recipe for dinner, there's a recipe here for you. Most of these chickpea recipes are vegetarian, but we've got a few with meat sprinkled in, too.

01 of 18

Mediterranean Chickpea Chili

Mediterranean Chickpea Chili
Andy Lyons

Add some Mediterranean influence to your weekly meal plan with a comforting bowl of chickpea soup. Our satisfying meatless chili gets 15 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Enjoy topped with tangy feta and a bit of lemon peel.

02 of 18

Chickpea Tikka Masala

bowl of Chickpea Tikka Masala
Jason Donnelly

If chicken tikka masala is a go-to order for you, just wait until you try this vegetarian chickpea recipe. The aromatic spices in the masala sauce add a rich flavor to the chickpeas and veggies. Serve with hot cooked rice for a one-bowl meal you'll crave all the time.

03 of 18

Hummus 4 Ways

four bowls of hummus – beet, lime-avocado, beet, and squash
Jason Donnelly

We love that chickpeas can be pureed into an ultra-smooth dip (or spread) for pita chips, veggies, wraps, and more. Skip the store and make our basic chickpea hummus recipe. From there, transform it into one of four amazing flavor variations: bell pepper, roasted squash, lime avocado, or roasted beet.

04 of 18

Harissa-Sauced Chickpeas with Scrambled Eggs

Harissa-Sauced Chickpeas with Scrambled Eggs

Harissa is a spicy chili paste commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It becomes an irresistible base in the sauce for our chickpea recipe. Mixed with scrambled eggs (and don't forget toasted bread for dipping!), this is an easy vegetarian dinner everyone will love.

05 of 18

Chickpea and Freekeh Salad

Chickpea and Freekah Salad
Andy Lyons

It's easy to incorporate more whole grains into your meals with delicious chickpea recipes like this one. Freekeh is a hearty grain that contains fiber and protein. We added salami to this cool salad, but you can leave it out to keep it meat-free. Make this speedy salad ahead of time so you can have a quick, ready-made lunch.

06 of 18

Chickpea Alfredo with Spring Veggies

Chickpea Alfredo with Spring Veggies
Blaine Moats

You might have heard of chickpea pasta before, but this takes that term to the next level. While this picture looks like a creamy Alfredo sauce, it's actually completely dairy free. That's right, this vegan pasta sauce features a chickpea- and cashew mixture that's not only delicious but healthy.

07 of 18

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea with Chimichurri

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas with Chimichurri on sheet pan
Blaine Moats

This sheet pan dinner hits on all cylinders, it's healthy, easy, and delicious. Roasted chickpeas and cauliflower are topped with a vibrant green chimichurri. Serve on pita bread topped with green onions and lime zest for an awesome open faced sandwich.

08 of 18

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew
Blaine Moats

This chickpea stew is perfect for a cozy winter night, but it's good enough that you'll probably crave it just as much on a summer day. Chickpeas, pumpkin (or winter squash), and lentils swimming in a gingery-tomato base make a perfect vegetarian bowl of goodness. Bonus: It's a slow cooker stew for less mess and hands-on time.

09 of 18

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas
Andy Lyons

When you need a healthy side for dinner, consider this roasted vegetable and chickpea recipe. It's simply seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and a bit of sugar (giving it a nice caramelized flavor). Enjoy it alongside chicken breast or baked salmon for an easy meal.

10 of 18

Farro, Chickpeas, and Greens

Farro, Chickpeas, and Greens
Andy Lyons

Join the grain bowl game with this fabulous chickpea recipe. It's a 30-minute plant-based meal that will leave you feeling full and energized. Choose whatever leafy greens you have on hand (we like mustard greens or kale).

11 of 18

Chickpea-Herb Flatbreads

Chickpea-Herb Flatbreads pizza recipe
Jason Donnelly

Pizza lovers will swoon for this chickpea recipe. The "sauce" used is made from an irresistible combo of chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), and fresh herbs. Every bite is light and refreshing, but still hearty to be a complete meal with 16 grams of protein per flatbread.

12 of 18

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich on toasted ciabatta bread in parchment paper
Brie Passano

This chickpea salad might be even better than the meaty version. Smashed chickpeas get a similar treatment as chicken salad with a blend of mayo, pickles, mustard, and herbs. Carrots are added for nutrients and crunch. Serve on bread or eat it right out of the bowl with a spoon (it's that good!).

13 of 18

Chickpea Cauliflower "Couscous"

Chickpea Cauliflower "Couscous"
Andy Lyons

Here's a veggie-filled chickpea recipe to add to your Mediterranean diet plan. The skillet meal uses riced cauliflower as the base. It's tossed in butter with apricots and garlic, just watch everyone's plate get cleaned.

14 of 18

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry with Butternut Squash
Blaine Moats

Butternut squash, chickpeas, and coconut milk combine for the ultimate vegetarian curry. Green curry paste adds the perfect amount of heat to every bite. Add cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.

15 of 18

Chickpea Salad with Tuna

Chickpea Salad with Tuna
Carson Downing

Tuna salad is great, but it's even better with chickpeas! We spiced-up this canned tuna and chickpea recipe with roasted red peppers, cumin, garlic, and lemon juice. Feta adds a delicious tangy bite.

16 of 18

Spiced Apple and Chickpea Muffins

Spiced Apple and Chickpea Muffins
Karla Conrad

Work-in additional fiber to your breakfast with this delicious chickpea muffin recipe. These healthy muffins are made with chopped apples, canned garbanzo beans, and applesauce. The result is a moist, sweet muffin that is perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.

17 of 18

Lablabi

Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Soup) in white bowl with poached egg and cilantro
Jason Donnelly

You might not have heard of lablabi, a North African chickpea soup, but after one bite of this fragrant soup you'll be hooked. Top with poached eggs and serve with warm pita and harissa if you're looking for an extra kick. This is one chickpea recipe to add to your winter rotation.

18 of 18

Air Fried Chickpeas and Squash

Air-Fried Chickpeas and Squash on black plate with side salad
Brie Passano

The air fryer is a savior when it comes to weeknight dinners and this squash and chickpea recipe is no different. Garam masala, crushed red pepper flakes and fresh parsley add a little extra to this delicious vegetarian meal.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles