Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich Recipe - Build Your Bite (2024)

FAQs

Why do vegans love chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas—also known as garbanzo beans—are loaded with heart-healthy fiber and contain a number of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals too. In addition, their high protein content makes them a valuable alternative for those that follow vegetarian and vegan diets.

Can I eat chickpeas from the can? Canned chickpeas are already cooked and ready to serve. This makes them so convenient to keep on hand when you need to add a quick protein to salads.

Another bonus: Unlike meat, you won't get the saturated fat and cholesterol often associated with that protein. Beyond fiber and protein, chickpeas provide folate, a B vitamin necessary for protein metabolism, maintaining cell health and function and preventing birth defects.

Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, red kidney beans, and lentils are high in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation. They are an inexpensive and excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians or vegans, and they're a low-glycemic carbohydrate. Aim to eat at least one cup of beans twice a week.

In fact, many registered dietitians say that if you eat canned chickpeas regularly, your body will actually see a myriad of health benefits. Between the plant-based protein, fiber, and even the complex carbohydrates that are within these tiny legumes, having chickpeas in your diet is ultimately a good health move.

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.)

You can eat chickpeas with the skin on, but they're better without. When making hummus, removing the skins will make your hummus much creamier and rich. When it comes to roasting chickpeas, I find removing the skins gives the chickpeas more flavor.

Their nutty taste and grainy texture pair well with many other foods and ingredients. As a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, chickpeas may offer a variety of health benefits, such as aiding weight management, improving digestion, and reducing your risk of disease.

Like all legumes, chickpeas are a source of protein, and they're optimal for muscle building. Just 100 grams' worth of chickpeas contains a whole 9 grams of protein. They also contain fiber and minerals such as iron as well as magnesium, which keeps our muscles functioning smoothly*.

Hummus might have sparked the initial interest in chickpeas, but the growing interest in plant-based proteins helped make the legume even more popular. Chickpeas are often hailed as an ideal replacement for meat in vegan and vegetarian diets, but the powerful pulses aren't just popular with those on specific diets.

Why are chickpeas so healthy? ›

Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low GI. Potential benefits of chickpeas include helping control blood sugar, manage weight, and support heart and gut health. Chickpeas are versatile, so you can add them to many savory or sweet meals and snacks.