Everyone loves hummus, but there is a whole world of delicious chickpea recipes beyond the creamy dip! Up your legume game with this list of our best 32 chickpea recipes, including chickpea salads, chickpea soups, stews, breakfasts, healthy snacks, and more! 

7 vegetarian stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Photo of Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Basil Vinaigrette by Caitlyn Bensel

And as a major staple of the Mediterranean Diet, we have heaps of nutritious, tasty and easy chickpea recipes for morning noon and night! You can spend your whole day with this incredible Mediterranean legume, from breakfast Sweet Potato Hash, to a Mediterranean chickpea salad for lunch to Pasta e Ceci for dinner–oh, and don’t forget crispy roasted chickpeas for healthy snacking in between! 

To get all our best chickpea recipes in one convenient place, I’ve put together this list of 32 insanely delicious chickpea recipes, from salads and healthy snacks to hearty dinners and easy lunches!

What are Chickpeas? 

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. Like other legumes and pulses such as lentils and beans, chickpeas are chockfull of fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy vitamins and minerals–see the USDA for their full nutritional profile. 

Most grocery stores carry the white variety, which you’ll easily recognize for its tan color. Some specialty markets offer brown, green, black, and even red chickpeas. If you can find them, don’t be afraid to try the different varieties!

close up of two bowls of creamy pesto braised chickpeas topped with jalapeno and fried lemon slices, next to a plate of sliced jalapeno.
Photo of Braised Chickpeas In A Creamy Pesto Sauce by Andrea Gralow

Canned vs. Dried Chickpeas

Readers often ask about the use of canned vs. dried chickpeas. For the most part, this is a personal preference, as both are great options for cooking. For the most part–and for all the recipes on this list–I use canned chickpeas for convenience, unless it’s a very traditional recipe like my authentic falafel

On the other hand, a bag of these dried beans is far more economical, and I promise you learning how to cook chickpeas is not difficult. It requires no special skills, just a little extra time. I even give an option for cooking chickpeas with no soaking involved! Plus, cooking chickpeas from scratch produces a creamier chickpea. And as an added bonus you can control the sodium content and tweak the texture to your liking.

Easy Chickpea Recipes: Snacks and Healthy Breakfasts

Chickpeas aren't just for soup or dips! They're also a great way to add more vegan protein into your snacks and breakfasts. Here are some high protein snacks and healthy breakfast recipes that are easy to make and will keep you satisfied all day:

Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with za'atar and harissa

How To Make 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?

Fatteh (Spiced Chickpeas with Crispy Pita and Garlicky Yogurt) in a bowl with a spoon.

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! 

vegetarian smashed chickpea toast on a plate topped with fresh parsley.

Smashed Chickpea Toast

This vegetarian recipe takes a humble can of chickpeas 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 Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish. An easy breakfast hash with potatoes, chickpeas, asparagus, tomatoes and Mediterranean spices and fresh herbs. Comes together in less than 30 mins. See the step-by-step today on The Mediterranean Dish.

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.

a bowl of sweet potato hash with a poached egg and a fork next to a mug of tea.

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

Incorporating grains or legumes like chickpeas into salads is one of my main tips for how to make a salad you'll actually want to eat. Not only do they add a good bit of heft, they also add texture and creaminess, making salads infinitely more delicious. Here are 7 dinner salad recipes you'll love:

a close up of vegan chickpea salad in a serving bowl next to a wooden serving spoon and fork, a jar of dijon dressing, and a cloth napkin.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

A healthy, flavorful chickpea salad recipe that’s ready in 10 minutes! Simply toss fresh herbs, juicy grape tomatoes, velvety roasted red peppers, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado with a punchy Dijon dressing and enjoy. 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.

Mediterranean Za’atar Chickpea Salad Recipe with Fried Eggplant | The Mediterranean Dish. A flavor-packed Mediterranean peasant salad with chickpeas, chopped vegetables, eggplant and Za’atar. A meal in its own right! Get the step-by-step tutorial.

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!

Balela salad in a black bowl.

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.

Mediterranean Chickpea Egg Salad Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish. A simple, satisfying egg salad prepared Mediterranean style with fresh veggies, herbs, and a zesty dressing! From TheMediterraneanDish.com

Mediterranean Chickpea Egg Salad

With jalapeños, crisp veggies, red cabbage and hard boiled eggs—this chickpea salad recipe is satisfying on all levels. You'll love the Dijon dressing!

couscous salad web story poster image.

BEST 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)!

White bean salad topped with feta cheese. Ready to serve

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.

Bowl of Mediterranean Chickpea and Farro Salad

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

Chickpeas, along with other legumes like lentils, are a great way to add more vegan protein to your diet. You won't miss the meat in these vegetarian and vegan chickpea recipes!

Side shot of pasta e ceci in a bowl on a marble countertop with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. You can see the broth pooling around the pasta

Pasta E Ceci (Pasta With Chickpeas)

This southern Italian classic is weeknight-friendly comfort food at its best! 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.

close up of two bowls of creamy pesto braised chickpeas topped with jalapeno and fried lemon slices, next to a plate of sliced jalapeno.

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! Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner.

7 vegetarian stuffed peppers in a baking dish.

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!

close up of creamy tomato pasta with chickpeas in the pan with pink sauce

"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.

Orzo with zucchini, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Garnished with fresh mint and toasted pine nuts

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 leaves add 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!

vegetable couscous on a plate.

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 with lentils, zucchini, avocados, tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.

Mediterranean Grain Bowls Recipe With Lentils And Chickpeas

Every meal prep maven should have one grain-bowl recipe up their sleeve. Grain bowls like this one featuring both chickpeas and lentils are great options for light lunches or a healthy and hearty meal after a long day of work.

Learn how to make falafel, with easy to follow step-by-step photos to help you out

Easy Authentic Falafel: Step-By-Step

If you want to make the best authentic falafels from scratch, this recipe is your ticket!  Crispy, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it will easily become your favorite use of chickpeas. You can also make baked falafels in the oven or air fryer falafels if you prefer. Serve with pita bread, cucumber tomato salad, and tahini or tzatziki sauce.

Greek Style Braised Eggplant Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish.All star braised eggplant recipe, prepared Greek style! Eggplants cooked to velvety tender perfection with chickpeas and tomato with aromatics and a few awesome spices. A perfectly satisfying meatless dinner or side dish. Vegan. Gluten Free. #meatless #eggplantrecipe #chickpearecipe #mediterraneandiet #greekfood #veganrecipe #glutenfreerecipe #chickpeas #eggplant #meatlessdinner #onepot #easyrecipes #healthyrecipe #vegetarian

Easy Greek-Style Eggplant


Chickpea Dinner Recipes: Meat and Seafood

I love combining creamy chickpeas with savory meats, adding a layer of texture and flavor and upping the meal's nutrition.

Braised cod fish in pan with Moroccan flavors. Moroccan fish

BEST Moroccan Fish

The comforting warmth from the spices, nuttiness from the chickpeas, and flakiness of the fish make a special one-pan dinner.

chicken and rice in a pan

Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Simple, comforting, one-pot chicken and rice recipe with chopped veggies, garbanzo, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Ready in just over 30 minutes.

sheet pan smoked paprika chicken web story poster image.

Sheet-Pan Smoked Paprika Chicken With Chickpeas And Carrots

A favorite from my cookbook, The Mediterranean Dish: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You’ll Make On Repeat! 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.


Comforting Chickpea Soup and Chickpea Stew Recipes

I'm a huge fan of chickpeas in soup, as they're a nutritious vegetarian protein that adds a nice texture both when they’re puréed or left whole. All of these recipes use canned chickpeas to make them quick and easy, but you can cook from dried if you’d like more control over their texture. You can even use their broth, called “aquafaba” as a thickener. Here are some of my favorite chickpea soup recipes:

lablabi tunisian chickpea stew in a bowl, next to bowls of various toppings.

Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew)

A hearty North African dish made with pantry staples like canned chickpeas and rustic bread–it’s a great way to use up day-old bread! Harissa paste adds a smoky quality and nice heat–you can make it yourself or order from our shop. Garlic, cumin, lemon, and fresh parsley bring bold flavor in just about 40 minutes! 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.

chickpea soup in a blue bowl with a silver spoon

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. 

A bowl of vegan Mediterranean spinach stew

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.

A big bowl of chickpea chili topped with toasted almonds

Tomato And Chickpea Chili (Two Ways)

The perfect vegan chili, layered with veggies, aromatics, and a simple chili seasoning. You can make it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Spanish Chickpea Stew with Spinach and Almonds

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 | The Mediterranean Dish. Tons of flavor in this cozy bean soup loaded with vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors from spices and amazing fresh tomato pesto. This is not your average bean soup! A must try from TheMediterraneanDish.com #beansoup #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneanrecipes #vegetablesoup #vegetarian #glutenfree #budgetfriendly #onepot #chickpeas #kidneybeans #beans #soup

Mediterranean Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto

This chunky soup has three different beans and a whole host of immunity-boosting ingredients to keep you running strong. And that tomato pesto sauce makes all the difference!

Cauliflower and chickpea stew

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew

This hearty vegan stew is a Mediterranean version of Indian chana gobhi curry. Your new favorite takeout-made-at-home recipe!

Easy Chickpea Instant Pot Soup | The Mediterranean Dish. Mediterranean style chickpea soup, with vegetables, fresh herbs, and great spices. You can make this in minutes in the Instant Pot, or see stovetop and slow cooker instructions. Great for make ahead and meal prep. #chickpeasoup #chickpearecipe #instantpotsoup #instantpotrecipe #instantpot #slowcooker #mediterraneandiet #veganrecipe #glutenfree #lowcarb

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 Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish. A simple and succulent vegetable stew, flavored Morrocan-style with warm spices, aromatics, and dried apricots. The best vegetable tagine or vegetable stew you'll have. See it on TheMediterraneanDish.com #vegetablestew #tagine #mediterraneanfood #moroccanfood #veganrecipe #onepot

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.

Moroccan Lamb Stew with Vegetables in large pot

Easy Moroccan Lamb Stew

Rich lamb broth seasoned with layers of spices and herbs tops the buttery braised lamb and creamy chickpeas in this hearty stew. You’ll want to soak up every last drop of this stew, so have lots of fresh pita handy.

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.

  2. 5 stars
    Your recipes are amazing. I made falafel following your recipe, it's super delicious! Thank you for inspiring others ❤️

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. 5 stars
    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..😋😋

  5. 5 stars
    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!

  6. 5 stars
    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!

  7. 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.

  8. 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!

  9. 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!

  10. 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!