Chickpeas bring substance, texture, and flavor to so many different dishes. They can be mashed, roasted, sautéed, or simmered into meals that work across every category—from hearty salads to bold curries and satisfying sandwiches. Their mild flavor makes them a natural match for bright herbs, rich sauces, and spicy toppings. This list highlights recipes that use chickpeas in creative and classic ways, giving you plenty of reasons to keep a few cans in the pantry.

Chickpea Salad Recipe

Chickpea Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A simple mix of chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a light dressing. It’s a quick side or a base for a lunch bowl. The flavors soak in as it chills, making it even better the next day. Easy to customize with what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad Recipe

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Romaine lettuce leaves topped with a mixture of canned chickpeas, tuna, chopped eggs, and green onions, served on a white plate—perfect for easy chickpea meals.
Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chickpeas take the place of tuna in this vegetarian version of a classic. Mashed slightly, they mimic the texture while carrying the same tangy flavors. It’s great in a sandwich or scooped over greens. A fresh twist that’s filling and fast.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Chickpea Salad

Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Nutritious Deliciousness.

This version focuses on lemon, herbs, and crunch from raw veggies. Chickpeas offer a creamy bite that balances well with the fresh ingredients. Olive oil ties everything together. It’s one of those dishes that fits into any meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Harissa Chickpeas

Harissa Chickpeas. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A spicy, smoky take that wakes up the chickpeas with North African flavor. Harissa paste blends with oil to coat the beans before roasting or simmering. The heat builds slowly and lingers. Great with flatbread or over rice.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chickpeas

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Cooked in one pan with tomatoes, olives, and garlic, this dish is bright and bold. Chickpeas soak up all the juices as they simmer. A handful of herbs or crumbled feta finishes it off. Serve with warm pita for a simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Vegan White Chickpea Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A creamy white chili made without any dairy or meat. Chickpeas give it bulk and protein, while green chilies and spices add warmth. It’s thick, comforting, and satisfying. A weeknight dinner that doesn’t need much babysitting.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas)

Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Spanish classic pairs wilted spinach with soft chickpeas in a smoky, garlicky sauce. Often served as tapas, it’s bold enough to be a full meal. Paprika gives it a deep red hue and unmistakable flavor. It’s hearty without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas)

Spicy Chickpea Dip

A close up image of spicy chickpea dip in a bowl.
Spicy Chickpea Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Blended chickpeas and spices turn into a creamy, kicky dip. Perfect with pita chips, raw veggies, or even spread on sandwiches. A little lemon brightens the flavor. It comes together fast and disappears even faster.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chickpea Dip

Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pasta gets tossed with chickpeas and a zesty chimichurri sauce. The chickpeas add protein and a bit of chew that balances the bold herbs. A splash of lemon or vinegar sharpens the whole dish. It works hot or cold, making it flexible for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

An image of buffalo chickpea wraps on a plate.
Buffalo Chickpea Wrap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpeas are mashed and mixed with spicy buffalo sauce for a bold, saucy filling. Tucked into a wrap with lettuce and maybe a little ranch, it’s full of flavor and texture. A great option for lunches that need a little heat. Quick, satisfying, and very packable.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This sandwich filling mashes chickpeas with lemon, mustard, and a little seasoning. It’s creamy without mayo and bright without being overpowering. Piled between slices of hearty bread, it’s a fresh take on a classic sandwich. Crunchy add-ins like celery or pickles are a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Greek Chickpea Soup

An image of greek chickpea soup in a bowl with utensils beside it.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A lemony broth filled with chickpeas and herbs makes this soup feel both light and cozy. It’s similar to avgolemono, but with the creaminess coming from blended chickpeas. A sprinkle of dill or parsley at the end adds a fresh note. It’s a satisfying bowl for any season.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed chickpeas mixed with herby pesto make a bold, rich spread. It’s great in a sandwich with roasted veggies or sliced tomatoes. The texture is soft but hearty. A flavorful lunch with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea and Avocado Salad

A bowl of chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Scattered tomatoes and a spoon are visible around the bowl.
Chickpea and Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Creamy avocado pairs with chickpeas for a rich and satisfying combo. Lime juice and chopped onion brighten it up. Serve it as a dip, side, or wrap filling. It’s somewhere between a salad and a mash.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Chickpea Burgers

Low angle shot of 2 chickpea burgers on seeded buns with all the fixings.
Chickpea Burgers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Blended chickpeas form the base of these pan-fried patties. They hold together well with breadcrumbs or oats and take on whatever flavor you add. Crisp on the outside and soft inside. Serve with your favorite burger fixings.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burgers

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tossed in barbecue seasoning and roasted until crisp, these chickpeas are snackable and bold. They’re crunchy on the outside and a little chewy in the center. Add them to salads or eat them by the handful. They keep well in a jar for days.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Pumpkin 

Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Pumpkin . Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A cozy, thick curry made with soft chunks of sweet potato and chickpeas. Pumpkin puree helps create a silky sauce. Spices like turmeric and cumin bring warmth and depth. Serve with rice or flatbread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Curry with Chickpeas and Pumpkin 

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

A classic, tomato-based curry with chickpeas simmered in garlic, ginger, and spices. It’s rich and filling without any meat. Perfect with basmati rice or naan. A go-to comfort meal that stores well too.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These burgers blend chickpeas with smoky bacon for a twist on the usual veggie patty. The result is savory and satisfying with a little heat. They crisp up well in the pan or oven. Add your favorite toppings and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

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About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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