10 Speedy Recipes That Start With a Can of Chickpeas

Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Key Takeaways

Canned chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are a hearty and delicious base for a variety of easy meals.
From chickpea tacos to chickpea salad with red onion and tomatoes, here are some of favorite recipes that feature the affordable canned beans.

Creating a meal doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated or include lots of ingredients. In fact, some of the best meals start with a can—in this case, of chickpeas. These hearty pantry heroes, also known as garbanzo beans, are the perfect protein for crafting quick and easy meals.

Why Chickpeas?

Like other beans, canned chickpeas are a hearty food. That’s because they’re loaded with protein and fiber, nutritional components. They’re also economical, typically costing less than a dollar for one (15-ounce) can. And using them is a breeze. All you have to do is open the can, rinse them off, and add them to your dish. That’s it! No need to be concerned about cooking to a certain temperature like you do with meat and no need to stress about long cook times, since canned beans come fully cooked.

10 Easy Dishes That Start With a Can of Chickpeas

Since chickpeas are such a versatile ingredient, you can use them in a variety of recipes within a wide range of cuisines. Ready to crack open your can? Here are some of our favorite recipes.

01
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Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

Buckwheat Queen

Welcome to Taco Tuesday with a vegetarian, chickpea twist! This recipe is perfect for any weeknight meal. Simply cook up your can of chickpeas with a packet of prepared taco seasoning mix and you're ready. And don't forget the toppings: Add shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a peak experience.

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02
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Pesto Zoodles

Store-bought pesto helps this meal come together quickly. And even though the recipe is written for two servings, it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more. Zoodles can be found in both the refrigerated section of the produce department and in the frozen section of your grocery store.

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03
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Mock Tuna Salad

If you love tuna salad, you'll love this mock version made with a can of chickpeas. The recipe comes together in minutes and is great served on toast, crackers, or even wrapped in lettuce. If sweet pickle relish isn't your thing, consider using the dill version or chop up your favorite pickled vegetable and use that instead.

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04
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Easy Vegan Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower, Tomatoes, and Garbanzo Beans

Sheet-pan meals are a great hands-off cooking method on any night; to save more time, buy precut, bagged cauliflower. On the other hand, if your grocery store has purple or green cauliflower, give those a try for a gorgeous twist. Make it a meal by serving with white, brown, or wild rice.

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05
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Halloumi, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad with Mint

This recipe is perfect for a warm, summer day. The combination of seasonal tomatoes and fresh mint makes for a light, refreshing meal. If you can't find halloumi cheese, feta makes a fine substitute.

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06
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Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Alberta Rose

Quick-cooking quinoa helps this meal come together fast; chickpeas make for a perfect, hearty bite. Amp up the tomatoes and parsley for a more Mediterranean vibe.

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07
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Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato

Kris

Chickpeas definitely shine in this dish, especially when dressed with a simple combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. This salad pairs well with pita or can be served over lettuce for an entrée salad option.

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08
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Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Creamy and packed with dill and lemon, this chickpea recipe is a great meal for when you need something fast. Serve it on crisp, flatbread crackers or between two slices of toasted baguette. Or just enjoy it by the spoonful.

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09
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Indian Chickpea Chaat Salad

Chaat masala is a dried spice blend popular in South Asian cuisine and pairs perfectly with meaty chickpeas. If you can't find it at your grocery store, try a local or online spice shop.

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10
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Kale Salad with Chickpeas in a Jar

This chickpea recipe is a great make-ahead meal option. The ingredients can be prepped up to two days in advance and the jars can be assembled the night before you plan on enjoying them.

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