Many people think of chickpeas as a healthy, high-fiber side dish, but have you ever considered making them into a main course? How about using them in a dessert dish like a Blondie or Cookie Dough Dip?
After getting quite a few recent requests for healthy chickpea recipes, I decided to share some of my favorite simple chickpea recipes.
Continue reading for some incredible, out-of-the-box recipe ideas!
Please note, some of the links below contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may get a small commission at no cost to you.
Why are chickpeas a healthy food?
Chickpeas are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, incredibly versatile, and easy to use.
Chickpeas can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels, promote gut health, aid in weight loss or weight maintenance, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
13 Simple Chickpea Recipes
Chickpea Entrees
- These Easy Chickpea Patties by The Harvest Kitchen are a great alternative to a burger!
- Looking for a plant-based alternative to chicken noodle soup for the colder months ahead? This Vegan Slow Cooker Chickpea Noodle Soup by Easy Chickpeasy will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
- You won’t even miss the meat in this Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe (No Coconut Milk) by Bites with Blair.
- Who needs takeout when you can make a delicious dish like this General Tso’s Chickpeas recipe by Well Plated by Erin at home?
Salads with Chickpeas
- This Pearl Couscous salad with roasted asparagus and chickpeas by Haute & Healthy Living would be a great option to bring to your next potluck.
- This Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas by The Healthy Epicurean replaces the croutons with crispy roasted chickpeas!
- This Carrot, Chickpea, and raisin salad, also by The Healthy Epicurean, is super simple to throw together and only requires a handful of ingredients.
- If you have never cooked with millet before, you don’t know what you are missing! This Mediterranean Millet Salad with Crispy Chickpeas by Rachael Hartley Nutrition is a great meal to meal prep in advance for a busy week.
Dips with Chickpeas
- This Buffalo Chickpea Dip by yours truly, Mama-Betes, is the perfect snack for Football Sundays!
- I love that this Simple Flaxseed Hummus recipe from Your Choice Nutrition has an added fiber boost from the ground flaxseed.
Chickpea Dessert Recipes
- These Low Sugar No, Bake Brownie Bites by Milk and Honey Nutrition are a perfect no-guilt treat if you are a chocolate lover like me!
- This Chickpea cookie dough dip by Kelsey P. RD is so delicious you will want to eat it with a spoon!
- Nobody will have any idea that these Chickpea Blondies by Well Plated by Erin are actually a healthy treat.
Conclusion
As you can see, chickpeas are a versatile food that can be used in many different types of recipes. From main dishes, to salads, to dips, and even desserts, chickpeas are a nutrient-packed superstar.
For more information on Chickpeas and why they are a great plant-based option for people with diabetes, check out our post about Chickpeas for Diabetes!