3 Flavor-Packed Roasted Chickpea Recipes for Salads

Who doesn’t love a crispy, crunchy salad topper? Roasted chickpeas are indeed one of my go-to ways to elevate any salad, adding bold flavors and satisfying texture. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make and endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving the tangy zest of Lemon Pepper, the smoky sweetness of Barbecue or the irresistible balance of Sweet and Salty, these three roasted chickpea recipes are perfect for topping salads or even just enjoying as a wholesome snack!

Topper Insights

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are tiny nutritional powerhouses that are both accessible and versatile. You can find them pre-cooked in cans or as dried beans at most grocery stores. Nutritionally, there’s little difference between the two, though canned chickpeas typically contain added sodium. To minimize this, choose low-sodium or no-sodium varieties, or rinse and drain them thoroughly before use. Opting for organic chickpeas is also a great choice if available.

The beauty of roasted chickpeas lies in their dual role as a crunchy salad topper and a protein-packed snack. Naturally high in plant-based protein and fiber, they’re an excellent way to boost the nutrition of your meals. Roasting with simple spices and seasonings brings out their flavor and makes them even more addictive.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of chickpeas, let’s explore what makes each flavor in these three roasted chickpea recipes unique:

• Lemon Pepper Chickpeas: Tangy and zesty with a hint of spice, this blend balances bright citrus with savory herbs like dill, thyme and oregano. Perfect for those who love bold, refreshing flavors.
• Savory Barbecue Chickpeas: Smoky and slightly sweet, these chickpeas are seasoned with a bold barbecue spice blend featuring smoked paprika, chili powder and a touch of brown sugar. Ideal for lovers of deep, rich flavors.
• Sweet and Salty Chickpeas: A craveable mix of pure maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla that creates the perfect sweet-and-savory balance. These are a great option for adding a hint of sweetness to salads or enjoying as a snack.

Topper Building Blocks

These three roasted chickpea recipes bring bold, irresistible flavors to your bowl. Here’s everything you need to build each batch, and feel free to tweak the seasonings to make them your own!

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Savory Barbecue Seasoning

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Sweet and Salty Seasoning

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2-1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Build Your Topper

Turning chickpeas into crispy, flavorful toppers is so simple! With just a little prep, seasoning and roasting, you’ll have the perfect salad addition or a delicious snack. Start with three 15-ounce cans of chickpeas—one for each recipe. If you’re making just one, simply focus on one can at a time.

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat them dry. For extra crispiness, rub the chickpeas lightly with the towel to remove any loose skins. Discard the skins, but don’t worry if some remain.
2. Season the Chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a medium mixing bowl. Toss with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with the seasoning blend for your chosen recipe, then add cornstarch or tapioca flour and toss again until fully coated.
3. Roast the Chickpeas: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
4. Cool and Use: Let the roasted chickpeas cool completely at room temperature. This allows them to achieve maximum crispiness. Use as a salad topper or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
5. Store Properly: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, use the fridge, but note that chickpeas may lose some of their crunch.

Customize Your Topper

When it comes to salad making, roasted chickpeas are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re adding crunch to a simple Chickpea Salad or experimenting with grain bowls, these toppers are easy to customize. They’re also perfect as a plant-based snack! Here are a few ways to make them your own.

• Lighten It Up: Replace oil with aquafaba (the liquid from a chickpea can) for a lower-fat option. Keep in mind that aquafaba may not coat the chickpeas as evenly due to its thinner consistency.
• Try New Flavors: Experiment with seasonings like curry powder, za’atar, or Cajun spices for bold flavor. For a sweet twist, try cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder with a touch of maple syrup.
• Boost the Crunch: Mix roasted chickpeas with toasted seeds or nuts, such as sunflower seeds or almonds, for extra texture and flavor.
• Toss in Salads: Use roasted chickpeas to top green salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads for a satisfying crunch and added nutrition.
• Make a Trail Mix: Combine roasted chickpeas with dried fruit, dark chocolate chips, or pretzels for a healthy, portable snack.

Let Me See Your Topper

If you enjoy these three roasted chickpea recipes, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl. Add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl too.

Love them? Add pins on Pinterest and share them on Facebook using Pinterest and share it on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!

3 Flavor-Packed Roasted Chickpea Recipes for Salads

Recipe by That Salad Lady

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Condiments, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep Time

10

minutes

Cooking Time

30

minutes

Calories

120-145

kcal

Total Time

40

minutes

Ready to level up your bowls? These 3 roasted chickpea recipes deliver tangy, spicy, savory and sweet flavors for every craving!

Ingredients

• Lemon Pepper Chickpeas

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

• Savory Barbecue Chickpeas

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

• Sweet and Salty Chickpeas

• 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Directions

• Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently pat them dry. For extra crispiness, rub the chickpeas lightly with the towel to remove any loose skins. Discard the skins, but don’t worry if some remain.
• Season the Chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a medium mixing bowl. Toss with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with the seasoning blend for your chosen recipe, then add cornstarch or tapioca flour and toss again until fully coated.
• Roast the Chickpeas: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Cool and Use: Let the roasted chickpeas cool completely at room temperature. This allows them to achieve maximum crispiness. Use as a salad topper or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
• Store Properly: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, use the fridge, but note that chickpeas may lose some of their crunch.

Notes

• Oil-Free Option: Replace the oil with aquafaba (the liquid from a chickpea can). Keep in mind that aquafaba may not coat the chickpeas as evenly due to its thinner consistency.
• Try New Flavors: Experiment with seasonings like curry powder, za’atar, or Cajun spices for bold flavor. For a sweet twist, try cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder with a touch of maple syrup.
• Mix It Up: Combine roasted chickpeas with popcorn, pretzels, or nuts for a quick, savory snack mix that’s perfect for sharing.
  

This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.