Have a can of chickpeas you need to use? Here are 21 of our favorite vegetarian chickpea recipes, from dinners to desserts!

We love chickpeas around here. Because as far as pantry foods go, I can always count on a can of chickpeas when I need a fast, delicious dinner (and chickpeas are healthy too!).
So what should you make when you have a can of chickpeas burning a hole in your cupboard? We usually do one of three things with them:
- Roast them with spices for snacking on, stuffing into sandwiches, or using as a soup/salad topper.
- Use them fresh from the can for adding protein to salads, soups, or curries.
- Mash them into a hummus or dip for spreading onto sandwiches or dipping veggies into.
But in case you’re in need of more inspiration, here are 21 of our favorite vegetarian recipes to use up a can of chickpeas. Enjoy!
Roasted Chickpea Gyros
No roundup of the best uses for a can of chickpeas would be complete without this absolute classic! Just drain, season, roast, and enjoy.
Buffalo Chickpea Collard Wraps
Everything you love about buffalo chicken dip, made vegetarian and stuffed into collard green wraps! Filled with protein, veggies, and all things tasty.
Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowls with Yum Sauce
For a vibrant yet easy vegan dinner, these Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowls do the trick, packed with colorfully delicious flavors and drizzled with creamy, protein-packed Yum Sauce! (There are chickpeas both in the bowl AND the sauce).
Chickpea Tikka Masala
This Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is an easy dinner to whip up when the Indian food cravings hit (plus, it’s vegan!)
Vegetarian Chicken Salad
Top your favorite sandwich or salad with this delicious Vegetarian Chicken Salad recipe, a quick combination of chickpeas, apples, and the classic chicken salad add-ins!
Tempeh White Bean Chili
Load up on the ultimate bowl of protein and flavor with this Tempeh White Bean Chili recipe. It’s made with chickpeas, lime juice, and sauerkraut for an interesting combo that totally hits the spot!
Pumpkin Soup with Smoky Roasted Chickpeas
This pumpkin soup is topped with smoky roasted chickpeas and fresh thyme, making it the ultimate cozy autumn recipe for busy weeknights!
Easy Chickpea Pot Pie
This Easy Chickpea Pot Pie is packed with a creamy vegetable filling and wrapped in a buttery crust (and best of all, you just need one pan to make it)! Your vegetarian dinner just got a lot less boring.
Vegan Yum Sauce
This Vegan Yum Sauce is my take on the sauce made popular at Cafe Yumm. It’s ultra-creamy, full of flavor, and has 10 grams of protein in just 2 tablespoons!
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are my go-to snack. They’re tasty, crunchy, filling, and totally delicious. To make this recipe, you’ll need just 15 minutes.
Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Enjoy hearty, herby flavor with these delicious Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a hummus and garlic sauce, they’re a healthy and satisfying dinner option!
Chickpea Blondies
This Chickpea Blondies recipe is a gluten-free dessert that’s full of creamy white chocolate and protein-packed chickpeas!
Roasted Beet and Chickpea Tacos
In need of some vegetarian taco inspiration? These Beet and Chickpea Tacos are simple to make and packed with so much flavor (plus, they keep you full for hours!)
How to Make Hummus: 4 Ways
It wouldn't be a roundup of chickpea recipes without hummus! Here's how to make homemade hummus in the four best flavors: traditional, roasted garlic, chipotle, and romesco!
Chickpea Corn Salad with Yogurt Dressing
In need of a quick summer side dish recipe that’s filling and delicious? (I mean, how can you say no to that?) We’re whipping up a Chickpea Corn Salad that’s bursting with veggies and herbs, and tied together with a spiced Greek yogurt dressing. A humble yet flavor-packed salad.
Crispy Chickpea Bowls with Carrot Ginger Dressing
Looking for a vegetarian meal prep recipe that’s high in protein and so tasty that you’re actually excited for lunch time? I’ve got you covered.
Roasted Butternut Chickpea Hummus Wraps
Spicy, savory flavor all wrapped up in warm flatbreads is the name of the game with these Roasted Butternut Chickpea Hummus Wraps! Quick weeknight dinners never tasted so good.
Roasted Chickpea Stuffed Avocados
Spicy roasted chickpeas, creamy avocado, and tangy garlic yogurt sauce make these flavorful nutrition powerhouse stuffed avocados!
Sauerkraut Soup
Craving something salty, sour, and full of flavor? Give this Sauerkraut Soup recipe a go! Topped with “bacon” roasted chickpeas and crème fraîche for a filling yet decadent vegetarian meal.
15 Minute Buddha Bowls
This 15 Minute Buddha Bowls recipe, with healthy grains, chickpeas, fruit, and avocado, is a balanced, healthy meal that comes together in no time!
Chickpea Tuna Melt
Made with only 5 ingredients, this is a simple dish that will satisfy your savory cravings, fill your belly, and fuel you through your day.
Ingredients
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 pita flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki
- ¼ red onion cut into strips
- 2 lettuce leaves roughly chopped
- 1 tomato sliced
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat dry chickpeas with paper towel, removing any skins that may come off. Gently toss chickpeas with oil, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Roast: Spread chickpeas onto a greased rimmed baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned but not hard.
- Assemble: Spread some tzatziki onto one side of the pita, then sprinkle in ¼ of the chickpeas and add veggies. Fold in half and enjoy!
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