Got a can of chickpeas? Turn it into a healthy, hearty meal with this collection of easy chickpea recipes! Nutritious, flavor-packed, and satisfying, you’ll want to make these Mediterranean favorites on repeat!
Chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are a must-have ingredient where I grew up in Egypt. You’ll find hundreds of chickpea recipes all around the Mediterranean sea, from the crunchy Middle Eastern version of nachos to the fiery Tunisian stew Lablabi. And, of course, I would never forget Falafel and Hummus, the darlings of the Mediterranean diet!
My aim when I started the Mediterranean Dish, though, was not just inspire you to make my childhood favorites. I also want to introduce you to simple, easy recipes that embrace the fresh, bold flavors I know and love, while getting a healthy dinner on your table on a busy night.
So if you’re looking for a way to turn a can of garbanzo beans into a healthy meal you’ll actually crave, scroll below for to find a new favorite recipe, including chickpea salads, chickpea soups, stews, breakfasts, healthy snacks, and more!
Top 5 Easy Chickpea Recipes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This healthy, flavorful chickpea salad recipe is ready in 10 minutes! Spicy Aleppo pepper and tart sumac give it a distinctly Mediterranean flair, but you can substitute with red pepper flakes and lemon zest if you’d like, or stock up on the best Mediterranean spices at our shop.
Chickpea Parmesan Crisps
Healthy snacking has never been easier! Simply roast the chickpeas until they gain some color, add grated parmesan and herbs, and roast again until the cheese melts, bubbles, and crisps. High in protein and fiber, naturally gluten-free, and absolutely delicious, I serve these savory treats for parties, game day, or even your holiday appetizer platter.
Pasta E Ceci (Pasta With Chickpeas)
This southern Italian classic is weeknight-friendly comfort food at its finest! With chickpeas, aromatic rosemary and fresh vegetables, it’s a vegetarian, hearty, and healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love. Enjoy as a one-dish dinner or pair it with a seasonal salad like winter radicchio salad or summer caprese salad.
Chickpea Marinara (Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce with Melty Mozzarella Cheese)
The extra-easy pantry recipe you need in your life! This no-nonsense chickpea recipe comes from my second cookbook, The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner. Two cans of garbanzo beans simmer in a simple tomato sauce until fragrant and flavorful, then quickly broil with mozzarella cheese until everything is melted and bubbling. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, or with a side salad for a hearty gluten-free meal.
Fatteh (Spiced Chickpeas with Crispy Pita And Garlicky Yogurt)
In this quick and easy Middle Eastern classic, crispy pita chips are layered with spiced chickpeas, toasty pine nuts, and a garlicky tahini yogurt sauce. Traditionally served for breakfast, I love it for a quick weekday lunch or game-day appetizer–like Mediterranean nachos!
Chickpea Snacks and Healthy Breakfasts
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Great for on-the-go snacks or party appetizers, these crunchy roasted chickpeas are a healthy snack packed with vegan protein. And with only four ingredients! What’s not to love?
Extra Creamy Avocado Hummus
I’m usually a hummus purist, but as it turns out chickpeas and ripe avocados are a match made in heaven! The hummus becomes extra creamy and rich, perfect for brightening Greek yogurt and a splash of lime. You can play around with flavor, but I like a combination of fresh garlic, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Avocado Crema
I love to meal prep sweet potatoes for a quick and easy breakfast. This recipe, with garlicky chickpeas, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and lime, is next-level delicious. It’ll start your day on a great foot, but you can certainly make this for lunch and dinner too!
Smashed Chickpea Toast
This vegetarian recipe takes a humble can of garbanzo beans and a couple of boiled eggs and turns them into a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner in 10 minutes or less. You can also make it vegan by skipping the eggs.
Mediterranean Potato Hash with Asparagus, Chickpeas and Poached Eggs
This healthy breakfast recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes! And feel free to swap in whichever veggies you have on hand. For a vegan version, simply leave off the eggs and feta cheese.
Sweet Potato Hash Recipe with Za’atar and Chickpeas
My twist on classic American hash, with loads of warming spices like cumin, paprika, coriander and turmeric, and aromatic za’atar. A very heathy and satisfying way to start the day, particularly with freshly brewed Arabic Tea with Fresh Mint!
Chickpea Salad Recipes
Balela Salad
Balela is an MVP in any Mediterranean diet! Packed with pops of color from fresh red tomatoes, chickpeas, and green olives, this chickpea recipe makes a festive addition to any table.
Chicken and Chickpea Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing
A healthy, make-ahead meal that transforms leftover chicken and pantry staples into satisfying lunches all week! Greek yogurt and smashed chickpeas makes it decadent and creamy without the mayo. Serve on its own or tucked into Pita Bread.
Loaded Chickpea Salad with Za’atar
Chickpeas make the base of this loaded salad with veggies, fresh herbs and a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette. Add eggplant or leave it out, but a sprinkle of za’atar is a must!
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
When I say the best, it really is the best! Pearl couscous loaded with sweet grape tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, salty olives, and creamy mozzarella. Pack for a picnic with a pitcher of iced Karkade (Hibiscus Tea)!
Easy Mediterranean Bean Salad
With chickpeas, cannellini and kidney beans, fresh herbs, and loads of crunchy veggies, this vegetarian salad is packed with protein, flavor, and texture! And it keeps well, making it great for getting ahead on lunches throughout the week.
Mediterranean Chickpea Farro Salad With Shrimp
Farro is nutty with a pleasantly springy texture, making it perfect for adding heft to salads. You can find it near the rice at select grocery stores, or stock up at our shop! With chickpeas and shrimp, this hearty salad is all you need for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Vegetarian Chickpea Dinner Recipes
Braised Chickpeas in a Creamy Pesto Sauce
This simple vegetarian recipe simmers a can of chickpeas–liquid and all–and a touch of milk until everything is tender and creamy. Homemade pesto is a special treat, but your best store bought variety works well to save time. The fried lemon garnish gives it a restaurant-quality flair but is optional!
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Basil Vinaigrette
You can make this show-stopping yet easy chickpea recipe as a dinner party side dish, but I love it as a vegetarian main. The peppers are stuffed with a fragrant Mediterranean-style mix of orzo, chickpea, cherry tomato, and olives, so its essentially a salad, grain, side and main all in one convenient package!
“Date Me” Creamy Tomato Pasta With Chickpeas
Better than a restaurant! This vegetarian pasta recipe tosses big pasta shells in a homemade tomato sauce with just a touch of cream (and you can swap in milk for an even lighter version). Rich but not overly heavy, it’s great for a date night in, particularly with a glass of red wine and a crisp lettuce salad.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Veggies and Herbs
I like to gently mash the chickpeas so they hold together with a creamy texture, then mix in crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and briny olives for layers of flavor. It’s a bright, crunchy, mayo-free take on a classic egg salad sandwich. Serve on your favorite sandwich bread (I love this easy Seeded Whole Wheat Bread.)
Mediterranean Orzo Recipe with Zucchini And Chickpeas
A quick one-pot meal for any night of the week, with zucchini and chickpeas stewed in a tasty, chunky, garlicky tomato sauce. Mint adds a nice freshness, and pine nuts the perfect buttery crunch, but feel free to swap in whatever nuts and tender herbs you have on hand. Enjoy as an easy vegan dinner recipe!
Moroccan-Style Chickpea And Vegetable Couscous
This is not your basic couscous recipe! Seasoned with bold Moroccan flavors like ras el hanout and cinnamon, this protein-packed vegan meal is filled with flavor and nutrition.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls Recipe With Lentils And Chickpeas
This Mediterranean grain bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal built on simple pantry staples like lentils and chickpeas. It’s more of a flexible framework than a strict recipe—an easy way to turn whatever grains, veggies, and toppings you have on hand into a satisfying, wholesome dish.
Easy Greek-Style Eggplant
There is a reason this is one of the top recipes on the site, and definitely one of my most popular eggplant recipes. The combination of velvety tender eggplant and hearty chickpeas is satisfying and delicious.
Chickpea Dinner Recipes: Meat and Seafood
Moroccan Fish
The comforting warmth from the spices, nuttiness from the chickpeas, and flakiness of the fish make a special one-pan dinner. I like to serve over lemon rice, scooping plenty of the sauce over top.
Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Simple, comforting, one-pot chicken and rice recipe with chopped veggies, garbanzo beans, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Ready in just over 30 minutes.
Sheet-Pan Smoked Paprika Chicken With Chickpeas And Carrots
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a bold tomato rub with fresh garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of lemon juice and roasted with chickpeas and veggies until juicy and flavorful. It’s a whole dinner in one pan, but I never complain about rice or couscous and a fresh bell pepper salad on the side.
Garbanzo Bean Recipes: Comforting Soups and Stews
Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew)
This simple garbanzo bean recipe is a great way to use day-old bread! Harissa paste adds a smoky quality and nice heat–you can make it yourself or order from our shop. While traditionally served for breakfast with tuna and a poached egg, you can tweak this one as you like and enjoy it for lunch and dinner. Pickled turnips, olives, and preserved lemons or fried lemons all come to mind.
Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa)
Revithosoupa is a traditional Greek chickpea soup that’s brothy, lemony, and naturally vegan. It’s easy to make, but be sure to budget extra time: You simply simmer dried chickpeas with aromatics, then finish with lemon, fresh dill, and creamy tahini for richness. Pureeing part of the soup adds a luxurious texture, making it a cozy, wholesome, and flavorful option for meat-free meals.
Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Soup
This vegan and gluten-free recipe is so hearty, flavorful and satisfying! Filled with sweet potatoes, veggies, and warming spices turmeric and fresh ginger, it’s especially comforting on a winter night, but I honestly love it all year. You don’t need anything more, but I love pita bread for dipping.
Mediterranean Spinach Stew with Chickpeas
Turn frozen spinach into a hearty meal with this vegan Mediterranean Stew, complete with canned chickpeas, tomatoes, vermicelli noodles, and bold Eastern Mediterranean flavors. Satisfying and easy-to-make, it’s the perfect cozy recipe for chilly nights. Serve on its own, or with a squeeze of lemon juice, sprinkle of feta cheese, and good crusty bread on the side.
Tomato And Chickpea Chili (Two Ways)
Garbanzo bean recipes are infinitely better with great seasoning, and this chickpea chili is case and point! The perfect vegan dinner, layered with veggies, aromatics, and a simple chili seasoning. What’s best: you can make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
Bell peppers, almonds, and spinach together with garbanzo… Full of flavor from garlic, vinegar, and warm notes of cumin and smoked paprika. Perfect as tapas or a satisfying vegan dinner!
Harira (Vegetarian and Gluten Free)
A classic Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup with fresh herbs and loads of warm spices. This satisfying vegetarian soup is even better the next day, so it is the perfect make-ahead pot to feed a little crowd. I typically serve it with lemon slices and warm pita bread.
Mediterranean Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto
This chunky soup has three different beans and a whole host of wholesome ingredients to keep you feeling your best. And that tomato pesto sauce makes all the difference in terms of flavor!
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew
This hearty vegan stew is my Mediterranean twist on Indian chana gobhi curry. Your new favorite takeout-made-at-home recipe!
Instant Pot Chickpea Soup (Stovetop and Slow Cooker Options)
Despite the title, the recipe contains directions for stovetop cooking for those who don’t own an instant pot. And yes—it’s just as delicious! Low-Carb, vegan, and gluten free. Serve with your favorite gluten free bread or homemade pita for dipping.
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, one-pot, budget meal friendly, need I say more? Seriously, though, it’s so easy to make and you can use any in-season vegetables you have on hand.
Easy Moroccan Lamb Stew
Lamb is made easy with this simple recipe! The rich lamb broth, seasoned with layers of spices and herbs, tops the buttery braised lamb and creamy chickpeas in this hearty stew.
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Hello, I came in today through the roasted chickpea recipe and ended up looking at this page. Great collection of recipes, bookmarked it, thank you!
there are so many great sounding recipes for chickpeas in this collection. in that i like chickpeas a lot, and that they are inexpensive, i eat them a lot. there are such great sounding recipes here. i eat meat but i sort of try to balance it between days when i cook meat and days i cook vegetarian. a lot of people think that vegetarian meals are akin to worshipping satan. i think i am going to try one with rice and chickpeas probably this week. but the cauliflower turmuric and chickpea recipe may be the one i start with.
Your recipes are amazing. I made falafel following your recipe, it’s super delicious! Thank you for inspiring others ❤️
You are so sweet, Shirley! Thank you!
This is a wonderful salad and so easy to make. Nutritious, tasty and best of all, healthy. Great salad to make for a larger group as well!
I never realised that there were so many recipes for chick peas..But I do now !! Many thanks..
Wifey doesn’t like them,but that’s ok,more for me 😂..Will “definitely” be trying a lot of these recipes.
We have a veg shop near us that sells all sorts of dried beans,that I regularly buy from, as for spices, we have a spice shop in Corfu Town, Greece that has virtually every spice available ,the shop is run by a very friendly and lovely lady from the Lebanon..What she doesn’t know about spices isn’t worth knowing.
So chick peas from one shop and then to the spice shop,then home and prepare and cook..😋😋
Sounds wonderful, Mel! I’m quite jealous :).
Your recipe list looks amazing!
What is that dish in the skillet with the red pepper slices and lemon slices on top? Think I found Friday nights dinner!
Moroccan Fish
https://www.themediterraneandish.com/moroccan-fish-recipe/
I have made so many of these! The falafel and chickpea salad are hands-down favorites…. and we cannot get enough of those crunchy roasted chickpeas around here!
Chickpeas are a staple of my vegetarian diet and I am always hunting for more recipe ideas. Your post is perfect for me– thanks! I plan to try a new chickpea recipe each week.
Glad to hear it, Holly! Enjoy
Pinned and bookmarked! We are huge fans of chickpeas and I can’t wait to work my way through all of these recipes! The only hard part is deciding which one to do first!
Living in Italy means I use chickpeas a lot. Usually dried ones. I love this round up! There are quite a few I’d love to try starting with that Moroccan fish and chickpea dish!
Time for me to get a big batch of chickpeas and go all in with this round up – too many recipes that look absolutely delicious!
I absolutely love chickpeas. I’m so excited to try all these recipes!!