10 Quick Meals With Just 6 Ingredients Using a Can of Chickpeas

You don't need a big budget or complex ingredients to make a meal. In fact, some of the best recipes start with a simple can of chickpeas. These nutritious pantry staples, also called garbanzo beans, provide a perfect protein base for creating fast and delicious meals.

Why Choose Chickpeas?

Canned chickpeas, like other beans, are filling and nutritious, packed with protein and fiber to help keep you full longer. They're affordable, typically costing under a dollar per 15-ounce can, and super easy to use. Just open, rinse, and add them to your dish—no cooking required, unlike meats which need to be cooked to specific temperatures.

10 Simple Chickpea-Based Recipes You Can Make Fast

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect ingredient for dishes across various cuisines. Ready to open that can? Here are some of our top recipes, each requiring no more than six ingredients.

Vegetarian Chickpea Tacos

Taco Tuesday just got a vegetarian upgrade with these chickpea tacos! This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Simply cook your canned chickpeas with taco seasoning, and you’re all set. Don’t forget the classic taco toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for the full flavor experience.

Pesto Zoodles

Store-bought pesto makes this dish a breeze to prepare. Although the recipe serves two, it can easily be scaled up to feed more. You can find zoodles in the refrigerated produce section or in the frozen foods aisle of most grocery stores.

Mock Tuna Salad

If you're a fan of tuna salad, you'll love this chickpea-based alternative. It comes together in minutes and works perfectly on toast, crackers, or even wrapped in lettuce. If sweet pickle relish isn't your thing, feel free to swap it for dill relish or any other pickled veggie you prefer.

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

Sheet pan meals are the ultimate easy dinner solution. For a quicker prep, you can buy precut cauliflower. If you're feeling adventurous, try purple or green cauliflower for a colorful twist. Serve it with rice—white, brown, or wild—for a complete meal.

Halloumi, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad with Mint

This dish is ideal for a warm summer day. The juicy tomatoes paired with fresh mint create a light and refreshing meal. If halloumi cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as a delicious alternative.

Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Quick-cooking quinoa makes this meal come together in no time, while chickpeas provide a satisfying, hearty bite. Boost the Mediterranean flavor by adding more tomatoes and parsley.

Chickpea Salad with Red Onion and Tomato

In this dish, chickpeas truly shine, especially when tossed in a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. This salad is perfect with pita or served over lettuce for a light entree.

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Rich and creamy with the fresh flavors of dill and lemon, this chickpea dish is perfect for a quick meal. Enjoy it on crispy flatbread crackers, in a toasted baguette, or simply by the spoonful.

Indian Chickpea Chaat Salad

Chaat masala, a popular spice mix in South Asian cuisine, adds the perfect kick to hearty chickpeas. If you can’t find it at your local store, try searching at a specialty spice shop or online (or make your own, here).

Kale Salad with Chickpeas in a Jar

This chickpea recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the ingredients up to two days in advance and assemble the jars the night before you're ready to enjoy them.