13 reasons chickpeas aren’t just for hummus anymore!

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Chickpeas, those humble little beans, have been pigeonholed for far too long. Sure, hummus is fantastic (and I could probably eat my weight in it), but there’s so much more these versatile legumes can do! If you’ve been limiting your chickpea use to just that one creamy dip, you’re in for a treat.

We’ve rounded up 13 exciting ways to let chickpeas shine in your kitchen, from flavorful soups to tempting snacks. So, let’s set aside that tub of hummus for a moment and dive into some chickpea goodness you might not have tried yet!

Turmeric chicken with chickpeas over rice.
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

These chickpea blondies studded with chocolate chips are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and offer a healthier take on the traditional recipe. Their fudgy texture is a delight, especially knowing it’s an “alternative” treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Blondies

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Reinventing the pesto sandwich with smashed chickpeas, this dish offers a delightful filling for a simple, vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chocolate chip blondie bars.
Chocolate Chip Blondies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

Dive into a blend of chickpeas and tomatoes wrapped in a creamy base. This soup offers a robust, comforting experience suitable for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

Greek Chickpea Soup

A 30-minute wonder, this soup combines chickpeas, rice, aromatic leeks, garlic, lemon, and dill in a comforting broth. A perfect meal for when you need some warmth and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

a bowl of greek chickpea soup garnished with dill on a blue and white linen with a gold spoon.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas

A snack reminiscent of the beloved cereal. Made with maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon, these roasted chickpeas are both delicious and healthier.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Give the traditional Chinese Kung Pao dish a vegan makeover with this chickpea variant. The sauce brilliantly mirrors bold flavors, making the taste profile a near replica of the original, but with a chickpea twist.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Looking for a savory snack alternative? These roasted BBQ chickpeas offer a crunchy, flavorful choice over traditional chips.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas

Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

A lively twist on burger night! These spicy bacon chickpea burgers seamlessly blend the familiar with the unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers

Dijon dill salmon salad with roasted chickpeas on a lettuce wrap.
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dijon Dill Salmon Salad

Packed with nutrients, this salmon salad mixes fresh dill, lemon, dijon mustard, salty capers, and smoky roasted chickpeas. Serve on toasted bread or enjoy as lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Dill Salmon Salad

Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

An easy one-skillet meal, this creamy turmeric chicken incorporates hearty chickpeas. Paired with rice and a cilantro garnish, you’ve got a delightful dinner in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas

Samosa Chaat

A flavor explosion, the Samosa Chaat combines savory chickpeas with crispy samosa. Garnished with an assortment of chutneys and crunchy toppings, it’s a treat to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat

Mediterranean carrot salad with white beans and raisins in a glass bowl.
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Perfect for summer cookouts, this Mediterranean carrot salad combines chickpeas, royal raisins, feta, and parsley. All tossed in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Baby Kale Salad

A refreshing baby kale salad recipe that’s quick to prepare. Featuring roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, and coated in a tahini dressing, it’s a wholesome, plant-based meal option.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

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