18 Chickpea Dishes for Busy Weeknights

Chickpeas are a versatile staple that work in everything from soups to sandwiches. They take on bold spices, creamy textures, and refreshing herbs with ease, making them a great base for countless meals. This collection pulls together hearty mains, light salads, and shareable bites that all center on chickpeas in creative ways. Whether you’re looking to try something new or need ideas for easy weeknight meals, these options show just how flexible and tasty chickpeas can be.

Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

This soup blends chickpeas with tomatoes and spices into a smooth, comforting bowl. It’s creamy without any dairy, thickened naturally by the beans. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a simple lunch. The flavor deepens beautifully as it simmers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

Indian Chickpea Salad

This bold salad is packed with chopped veggies, cilantro, and spices like cumin and chaat masala. The chickpeas soak up all the flavors as they sit. Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s bright, tangy, and full of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Indian Chickpea Salad

Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

This rustic Italian dish combines small pasta with chickpeas in a tomato and garlic broth. It’s somewhere between soup and stew. Serve with a sprinkle of grated cheese or chili flakes. A one-pot comfort dish that’s simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Ceci – Italian Pasta and Chickpea Stew

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Chicken and chickpeas simmer in a golden turmeric sauce with garlic and ginger. The sauce is rich and comforting. Serve with rice or naan for a full meal. It’s warm, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Chickpeas are tossed in buffalo sauce and wrapped with crisp veggies and creamy dressing. It’s spicy, tangy, and crunchy all at once. Serve cold or warm, depending on your preference. A quick lunch idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Chunks of sweet potato and chickpeas simmer in a rich, spiced broth until tender. The sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory base. Serve with rice or flatbread to soak up the sauce. It’s a cozy one-pot meal for colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Mashed chickpeas are stirred with basil pesto and layered into bread with greens and tomatoes. It’s savory, herby, and easy to throw together. Perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. Serve on toasted bread for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

A skillet of chickpeas with olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spinach cooked until tender. Finished with a splash of lemon juice and fresh herbs. Serve as-is or with bread to soak up the juices. It’s hearty, colorful, and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Chickpea Burgers

These patties are crisp on the outside and tender in the middle, made with mashed chickpeas, herbs, and spices. They’re easy to prep ahead and cook quickly in a pan or the oven. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings for a filling meal. Great for a casual dinner or a weekend cookout.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burgers

Spicy Chickpea Dip

Blended chickpeas meet hot sauce, garlic, and lemon juice in this bold dip. It’s creamy, zesty, and has just the right level of heat. Serve with pita chips, veggies, or use as a sandwich spread. Great for snacking or parties.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chickpea Dip

Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

A bed of coconut-infused rice is topped with crispy roasted chickpeas tossed in warm Turkish spices. A drizzle of garlic yogurt adds creaminess and contrast. It’s packed with bold flavor and texture in every bite. Serve warm for dinner or cold as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

Chickpea Salad

A classic mix of chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. A lemony vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s bright and refreshing, great for summer meals. Serve chilled as a side or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

This pasta dish gets its kick from a green chimichurri sauce stirred through chickpeas and noodles. It’s vibrant, herby, and slightly spicy. Serve warm or as a chilled pasta salad. The chickpeas add heartiness and bite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chimichurri Chickpea Pasta Bowl

Vegan White Chickpea Chili

White beans and chickpeas come together in this plant-based chili with green chiles and warm spices. It’s thick, flavorful, and filling without needing any meat. A squeeze of lime and some tortilla chips on top add a great finish. Perfect for a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Chickpea and Avocado Salad

This chilled salad combines soft chickpeas with creamy avocado, red onion, and lemon juice. It’s a refreshing mix that comes together in minutes. Serve it on its own or tucked into wraps or pitas. It holds up well for lunch the next day too.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Roasted Chickpeas

Baked until crisp, these chickpeas are a crunchy snack seasoned any way you like. Try them with chili powder, garlic, or smoked paprika. They’re also great on top of salads or soups. Easy to make in big batches and keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas mimic the texture of tuna in this twist on a deli classic. Mixed with vegan mayo, celery, and pickles, it’s tangy and satisfying. Serve on bread or crackers for a quick bite. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Greek Chickpea Soup

This lemony soup uses chickpeas, oregano, and garlic for a bright and savory base. It’s simple but layered in flavor. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of dill. A great option for a light yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup