18 Ways to Build a Meal Around Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a kitchen MVP; they’re hearty, nearly neutral in flavor, and take on whatever spices, textures, or sauces you throw at them. They can star in a salad, simmer in a curry, crisp up as a snack, or anchor a burger. When paired with complementary ingredients like avocado, spices, coconut milk, or herbs, they elevate a dish from simple to standout. This collection mixes vegetarian and some meat-forward dishes to give you options for every meal plan. Whether you want something light and fresh or comforting and saucy, these recipes put chickpeas in the spotlight without feeling repetitive.

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Inspired by the Chinese classic, chickpeas stir-fry with bell peppers, peanuts, garlic, ginger, and a sauce made of chili paste, soy, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The result is sticky, savory, and crunchy. Serve over rice or noodles. A bold, plant-based take on take-out flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Easy and Delicious Chickpea Chopped Salad

Chickpeas mix with crisp vegetables (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radish) and fresh herbs. A vinaigrette made from lemon or vinegar, olive oil, and a bit of mustard helps everything bind. Crunchy textures make each bite interesting. Good for bulk salads or side dishes.
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Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet

Chickpeas cook with tomatoes, olives, onion, garlic, and herbs like oregano or basil in one skillet. Optionally fold in greens like spinach or kale. It’s vibrant, savory, and perfect for scooping with bread or spooning over grains. Fast, layered, and flavorful.
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Curry Coconut Chickpea Stew

This stew takes creamy coconut broth, chickpeas, vegetables, and warming spices and lets them simmer until everything softens together. The result is thick, comforting, and hearty. Serve with rice or flatbread. It leans rich but stays flexible to seasonal additions.
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Chickpea Salad Recipe

This base recipe mixes chickpeas with cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and fresh herbs. A simple dressing of lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper brings it all together. Customize it by adding olives, feta, or nuts. It’s a go-to salad that can change with your mood.
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Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Chicken pieces and chickpeas cook together in a golden, creamy sauce made from turmeric, onions, garlic, and cream or coconut milk. Gentle simmering lets flavors mingle. Serve over rice or with flatbread to soak up the sauce. It’s warming, balanced, and rich without being overdone.
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Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Creamy avocado chunks mingle with firm chickpeas, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and optional jalapeño for bite. The texture is smooth and fresh. This salad works on its own or as a filling in wraps or tacos. It’s bright, quick, and satisfying.
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Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Using the Instant Pot ensures the lentils become tender in a fraction of the time while chickpeas stay intact. The sauce builds from spices, onion, garlic, ginger, and tomato base, then finishes with a splash of coconut milk or yogurt. Serve with rice or naan. It’s hands-off but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Burgers

These patties combine mashed chickpeas with herbs, spices, onions, and binding agents like flax or breadcrumbs. You can grill or pan-fry them until golden. Serve on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite condiments. They’re filling, flavorful, and hold their shape well.
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Chickpea Curry

This version leans on onion, garlic, tomato base, and warm spices like cumin, coriander, and maybe some chili heat. The chickpeas simmer until tender and the sauce reduces. Serve with rice or naan. A go-to chickpea dish that’s reliable and flexible.
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Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Hearty red lentils, cubed butternut squash, tomatoes, and warming spices make up the chili base. On the side or on top, chickpea-quinoa crackers bring crunch, they’re made from blended chickpeas and quinoa, seasoned, thinly flattened, and baked. The combo pairs softness, warmth, and crisp bites all in one meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Butternut Squash Vegetarian Chili with Spicy Chickpea Quinoa Crackers

Coconut Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas simmer gently in a sauce made from coconut milk, garlic, ginger, onions, and warming spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Vegetables like spinach or tomatoes can be stirred in. Serve this curry over rice or with flatbread. It’s comforting and aromatic without being heavy.
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Indian Chickpea Salad

This version adds spices like cumin, coriander, chili powder, and chopped herbs to chickpeas, along with onion, tomato, cucumber, and lemon juice. The spices give it warmth and complexity. Serve it as a side or light main. It’s vibrant and versatile.
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Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Roasted or sautéed chickpeas get coated in buffalo sauce and wrapped up with lettuce, shredded carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing in a tortilla or flatbread. You get all the bite of buffalo wings in a wrap form, with plant-based protein. Spicy, crunchy, and handheld.
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Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas substitute for tuna, accented by celery, red onion, pickles or capers, and a creamy binder like mayo or yogurt. It’s a vegetarian alternative that keeps the texture and flavor vibes of classic tuna salad. Makes a great sandwich spread or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas

In this dish, chickpeas are cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, spinach, cream (or a dairy-free alternative), and herbs. The sauce thickens and clings to the chickpeas, creating a cozy, rich dish. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread. Much like its “marry me” namesake, it’s bold yet comforting.
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Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Quinoa and chickpeas come together with cucumber, red onion, tomato, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. A lemon-olive oil dressing gives brightness and helps everything meld. This salad is great warm or chilled and makes a solid workday lunch.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Quinoa Chickpea Salad