Looking for the best high protein chickpea recipes for weight loss or just to be healthy? You have come to the right place!
Chickpeas are one of the best types of food because they are just so nutritious.
Firstly, chickpeas contain no cholesterol so if you suffer from high cholesterol, a recipe using chickpeas is a big tick there. Secondly, chickpeas hold a lot of other vitamins such as potassium, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium as well as a tonne of fiber. Tick, Tick, Tick!
Fiber is great as it helps decrease the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood – another win for chickpeas!
So vegan or not, eating chickpeas is the way to go. The 18 best healthy chickpea recipes here:
18 High Protein Chickpea Recipes For Weight Loss
1. Banza pasta made with chickpeas
This Banza pasta salad is packed full of delicious BLT flavors and is perfect for a picnic, BBQ, or dinner at home. If you’ve never had Banza pasta, it is a gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas.
It tastes just like normal pasta but is packed with extra protein. It’s a great gluten-free and high protein alternative!
Combining bacon crumbles, ripe tomatoes, red onion, crunchy lettuce, and Banza pasta, this ensemble gets coated in a yummy jalapeno ranch dressing. It’s a breeze to put together, offering a fantastic choice for a straightforward lunch or meal prep
Equally, it stands as an excellent contender for gatherings or summer parties. Thanks to Banza pasta, the recipe caters to the gluten-free crowd, and with simple modifications, it seamlessly accommodates dairy-free preferences, rendering it an ideal fit for diverse groups of people.
Grams Protein per serve – 20 grams.
Calories per serve – 329 calories
See recipe here.
2. High protein Chickpea Salad with Egg
See recipe here.
3. Harira chickpea soup
Harira is Morocco’s traditional protein packed Ramadan fast breaking dish. A bubbling instant pot of tomato goodness, simmering away on a stovetop.
The vibrant red color of the tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the earthy brown lentils and creamy chickpeas, like a painter’s palette come to life. Cumin, coriander, and cinnamon all dance together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that make this soup impossible to stop eating.
As you take a spoonful of this heavenly concoction, you’ll notice the silky strands of vermicelli noodles mingling with the other ingredients.
It’s like a party (like an actually really good party) in your mouth – the noodles absorbing and delivering the flavorful broth with every bite. It’s no wonder this dish is a staple during Ramadan, when Muslims break their fast with a bowl of this nourishing chickpea soup.
One of the best Moroccan chickpea recipes out there. And at just 94 calories per serve, it is certainly also one of the best chickpea recipes for weight loss.
Protein per serve – 3 grams
Calories per serve – 94 calories
See recipe here.
4. Tofu Orange Veggie Skillet
Tofu Orange Veggie Skillet is a delicious one-pan dish loaded with bright citrusy flavor, texture and protein!
This easy to prepare recipe is made with chickpeas, savory seared tofu, cauliflower, carrots, and zesty fresh orange slices and fresh herbs, combined with a lightly seasoned citrus marinade.
Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Get ready to dig into a wholesome, tasty meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
This colorful plant-based main course can be a meal in itself, but also pairs beautifully with wild or brown rice, potatoes, pasta, or ancient grains (like quinoa) that can boost the protein content even higher.
Protein per serve – 15 grams
Calories per serve – 259 calories
See recipe here.
5. Golden brown Curry Roasted Chickpeas
These golden brown curry roasted chickpeas are a perfect protein-rich snack to serve with a cold drink and add a delicious crunch to salads!
According the the USDA, chickpeas contain about 19g of protein per 100g making them a great source of plant-based protein. They are also high in fiber and are low on the Glycemic Index!
Protein per serve – 19 grams
See recipe here.
6. Sagne pasta with chickpeas from Abruzzo
This high protein and nutritious authentic Italian pasta with chickpeas recipe is made with homemade short flour and water pasta ribbons cooked in a delicious chickpea and pancetta broth.
Some of the pasta is fried in garlic and rosemary for added crunchiness and deliciousness.
Sagne pasta with chickpeas stands as a classic delicacy in Abruzzo and various regions of Central Italy. Historically, the combination of pasta and legumes constituted a staple for the local peasant communities across these areas.
Especially throughout the winter season, when refrigeration was absent, both flour and legumes proved convenient for preservation. An intriguing aspect is that such cuisine boasted a remarkable nutritional profile.
Protein per cook – 29 grams
Calories per cook – 894 calories
See recipe here.
7. Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry
This vegan Indian curry recipe is full of zucchini, chickpeas, and potatoes. This coconut milk curry is medium spiced and has a rich savory flavor that is velvety and satisfying.
Serve it with basmati rice, riced cauliflower, or naan for a complete meal that is filling & comforting. This recipe is a great protein-packed & high fiber meal that’s irresistible.
Bonus: it stores well & is perfect for meal planning.
Protein per cook – 20 grams
Calories per cook – 513 calories
See recipe here.
8. Kala Chana with chickpeas
Kala Chana is a protein-packed sattvic vegan curry made from black chickpeas that celebrates the flavors of Navratri! Sukha Kala Chana holds a special place in the hearts and palates of millions during Navratri, a nine-night (nava means nine, and ratri means nights in sanskrit) Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine.
As devotees observe fasting rituals, this protein-packed curry emerges as a nourishing source of energy and sustenance. With their dark hue and robust flavor, kala chana (black chickpeas) have been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries.
They offer a nutritious foundation for this wonderful curry, which I love to serve as bhoga for our deities at home.
If you are new to sattvic cooking, you may wonder “How the heck is this going to be flavorful without onions and garlic?!?” Fragrant cumin, coriander, vibrant Kashmiri red chili powder, and a touch of tangy amchoor (dried mango powder) blend harmoniously to ignite your senses!
See recipe here.
9. Vegan Butter Chicken Packed with Plant-Based Protein
This easy recipe for Vegan Butter Chicken is a plant-based version of the classic Indian dish that’s completely dairy-free and made with chickpeas!
These healthy Indian butter chickpeas are gluten-free, allergy-free, marinated in creamy yogurt and fragrant spices; finished in a single skillet with a tomato-based sauce in just 10 minutes!
The dairy-free adaptation of this Indian butter chicken has consistently garnered top ratings.
A clever vegetarian alternative to chicken, with a coincidentally similar name, comes in the form of chickPEAS! This recipe is a breeze to prepare yet incredibly flavorsome. Notably healthier than the traditional butter chicken from takeout menus, this rendition will swiftly earn a spot in your collection of go-to dinner recipes!
Packed with 100% Plant-Based Protein.
See recipe here.
10. Vegetarian falafel wrap with chickpeas
This vegetarian falafel wrap is flavor-packed!
The falafel recipe is made using a mixture of chickpeas, tahini, sauteed vegetables, and amazing spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
We wrap everything up together in tortillas and you’re left with an easy-to-make, super delicious, portable high protein lunch on the go!
In my view, the most delightful aspect of falafel wraps lies in the harmonious fusion of turmeric, cumin, and coriander with the chickpea mixture, creating an explosion of flavors.
Calories per serve – 429
Protein per serve – 13 grams
See recipe here.
11. High protein chickpea quinoa salad jars
This nourishing Chickpea Quinoa Salad boasts a remarkable 25+ grams of protein per serving. Its healthiness, simplicity, and compatibility with meal prepping make it a standout.
With just eight ingredients, it’s both vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
Whether for a packed lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, a picnic, potluck, or a barbecue, it fits seamlessly into a variety of occasions.
Calories per jar – 867
Protein per serve – 36grams
See recipe here.
12. Chana Masala
13. Meatless meatloaf using chickpeas
This meatless meatloaf is loaded with flavor and has a satisfying, meaty texture. It’s perfect for holidays or whenever you’re craving a hearty, plant-based meal.
This dish is loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It’s a must try when you’re in the mood for some nutritious comfort food.
Incorporating protein, nutrients, and a pleasing texture, chickpeas are a valuable addition to this meatless meatloaf. While I opted for unsalted canned chickpeas, feel free to replace them with cooked dried chickpeas if you prefer.
To enhance both the flavor and consistency of this vegan meatloaf, almond butter is introduced, ensuring its richness. Utilizing smooth almond butter devoid of extra salt or sugar is recommended. If a nut-free rendition is desired, pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as a substitute.
Calories per serve – 362
Protein per serve – 14 grams
See recipe here.
14. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
You will love this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. It takes only 10 minutes to make this fabulous salad. This salad is packed with fiber and protein-rich chickpeas, nutritious veggies, and fresh herbs.
Crafted with care, the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad stands as a revitalizing and nourishing creation, effortlessly prepared and ideal for a health-conscious lunch or a breezy evening meal. Abundant with nourishing components such as chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and zesty feta cheese, it embodies a delightful blend.
Whether enjoyed as a wholesome standalone lunch or as a complementing side dish, this salad shines in its versatility. This chickpea salad is great on its own or enjoy in a wrap, great to feed an army or for meal prep.
Calories per serve – 300-400
Protein per serve – 2 grams
See recipe here.
15. Chickpea/ Channa/ Kadala Curry
Chickpea/ Channa/ Kadala Curry is a vegan curry loaded with full of proteins in the legume. Simple and healthy curry which pairs well with rice and bread.
Chickpea Curry is an easiest and simplest recipe to make. I use simple ingredients readily available in pantry and also easily available in supermarket
This vegan chickpea/Channa curry is delicious, less spicy and more flavourful . Yes, Coconut flavour empowers the whole dish and I love every bite of coconut pieces in the curry.
Protein – 14 grams
Calories per cook – 400 calories
See recipe here.
16. Chana aloo masala
Chana aloo masala is a flavorful Indian curry made with chickpeas, potatoes, and spices. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under an hour.
Chana, also known as chickpeas, boasts a high protein and fiber content, contributing to prolonged satiety. Notably, they are cholesterol-free, positioning chickpeas as a valuable aid in weight loss endeavors.
The presented chole masala recipe aligns with health-conscious choices as it avoids the use of saturated fats such as butter, cream, or coconut milk to enhance the gravy’s thickness.
Serve with rice, chapathi or naan for a delicious and satisfying dinner. Learn the secret to making creamy chana aloo curry, without cream!
Calories per serve – 275
See recipe here.
High Protein Air Fryer Chickpea Recipes
17. Quick and easy Air Fryer Chickpeas!
Simply toss the chickpeas with the seasonings of your choice, pop them in the air fryer, and in just a few minutes, you have a filling and nutritious snack.
Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas emerge as an abundant and nourishing snack choice.
Opting to air fry them with just a touch of olive oil further positions them as a more health-conscious substitute for traditional fried snacks.
Air-fried chickpeas have truly captured my heart. Their delightful and wholesome nature allows for versatile enjoyment. Bursting with both taste and nourishment, air-fried chickpeas stand as a yummy snack by themselves. Alternatively, they can elevate salads, soups, and grain bowls when used as a topping.
Need a new air fryer? See our post for the best non toxic air fryers to buy.
Calories per serve – 38 calories
See recipe here.
18. Air Fryer Falafel with lots of plant based chickpea protein
This easy and healthy Air Fryer Falafel recipe is gluten-free, vegan, grain-free, and allergy-free! No oil or frying needed for these light and crispy falafel.
Quick to make using canned chickpeas and chickpea flour and perfect for filling a gluten-free pita, lunches, appetizers, or dinners! Freezing and baking instructions included!
See recipe here.
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Bett is living her best Nourished Life which is chemical free and non toxic! I will help you find the best alternatives to help your family be the healthiest versions of themselves!
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