How’s it going, vegan foodies! Welcome back to the blog.
Confession: I love chickpeas. Like, LOVE them. And yes, that love story started with hummus, because what’s not to love about hummus? Creamy, garlicky, perfection on a slice of bread. Or a cracker. Or with crunchy baby carrots.
But here’s the thing. Chickpeas, and beans in general, are SO much more than basic dips. They are healthy, delicious, budget friendly and packed with fiber and protein. So today I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to get more beans in your life. Whether you like big, crunchy bean salads or easy peasy vegan falafel, beans are up for the job.
Why Beans belong in Your diet
Beans are one of the most underrated foods out there. Chickpeas, butter beans, black beans, kidney beans, you name it. Black eyed peas are absolutely delicous! Most cooked beans give you somewhere around 7 to 9 grams of protein and 6 to 8 grams of fiber per 100 grams, plus iron, folate, magnesium and potassium.
All that fiber keeps you full and happy, helps with digestion and keeps your energy steady instead of spiking and crashing all day long. And beans are a regular in some of the healthiest diets around the world.
That’s not a coincidence!
A Protein for Everybody
For vegans, beans are an everyday protein hero. Pair them with grains like rice, bulgur or a slice of good bread over the course of the day and you’ve got all the essential amino acids covered. No complicated food math required.
No matter your diet, beans are still your friend. They’re cheap, they last forever in the pantry and they make any meal more filling. Everybody wins.
Beans & Salads
Beans are amazing in salads because they’re satisfying and they taste good with pretty much every salad ingredient you can think of. They can help you turn a side salad into a meal.
Take this chickpea apple slaw: red cabbage, crisp apple, carrots, cucumber, scallions and fresh dill, all tossed in a creamy mustard dressing made with coconut yogurt and a touch of agave. Sweet, tangy, crunchy and so good.
Or go the corn route with a chickpea and corn salad over crisp romaine. It’s bright, colorful and basically summer in a bowl, any time of year.
See? Beans are seriously versatile. Mix and match whatever veggies you have, add a good dressing and you’re done.
Easy Peasy Vegan Falafel
And now for the fun one: vegan falafel. Talk about easy!
Grab some tofu and a drained and rinsed can of beans (herbs & spices and baking powder) and pop it all into a food processor. Spin until you have a crumbly mix, then roll it into balls. Chickpeas are the classic, but this time I used butter beans with a mix of plain and smoked tofu, and they turned out amazing. Use whatever beans you have on hand.
Then cook them however you like: in the oven, in the air fryer or even shallow fried on the stovetop. Either way, they’re delicious.
![Vegan falafel salad with cucumber, cherry tomato and shredded cabbage]](https://i0.wp.com/the-spicy-spatula.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tofu-chickpea-falafel-balls.jpg?ssl=1)
I served mine on a big crunchy salad with cabbage, romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, apple and carrots. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but takes almost no effort.
Feeling Fancy? Make a Chickpea Dressing
If you’re really feeling fancy, put chickpeas in a food processor with lemon juice and spices for a nutty vegan salad dressing. Creamy, protein-packed and no oil needed.
Okay, full disclosure: I haven’t actually made this one yet. But now that I’ve written it down, I’ll HAVE to make it… you know, just to make sure it’s as delish as it sounds. For research purposes. Obviously.
A Little Protein on the Side
You might notice some TVP hanging out on my plates. A strength training woman needs her protein! It’s my go-to side, but the beans are the real stars here.
Kitchen Tools
Food processor
Salad spinner
Mixing bowls
Kitchen knife
Cutting board
Air fryer
Silicone baking mats
Want more bean inspiration? Try these:
Moroccan Style Tofu & Chickpea Balls
Easy Chickpea Edamame Salad
Crispy Chickpea, Olive & Orzo Salad
Loaded Hummus Salad
Chickpea Blondies
Your Turn!
These are just a couple of things you can do with beans. So tell me: what’s your favorite way to enjoy chickpeas? Let me know in the comments!
Enjoy!
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