These vegan chickpea meatballs are irresistible and super easy to make. The main ingredients are chickpeas, bread crumbs, almond flour, nutritional yeast, and various seasonings. You’ll love these meatballs that are packed with protein and flavor!

Make them for dinner and serve them with spaghetti and a marinara sauce, or serve them with rice and a side vegetable like one reader did (jump to photo). They can also be served instead of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy meal. They really are versatile! Let us know your favorite way to serve them.

You can serve these scrumptious, savory little meatballs a variety of ways. Add them to your traditional pasta dishes. Put them in lunch or grain bowls. Or you can make them a main for a meal. Another favorite way to serve them is over rice, potatoes, or quinoa with your favorite sauce or gravy. They make a great prep food, too! Make them ahead of time and then, cut in half, and put in sandwiches or wraps during the week! You can even serve them as an appetizer or snack with a favorite sauce or dip! They are incredibly versatile.

How to serve Vegan Chickpea Meatballs

  • Sandwich or wrap: Cut the chickpea meatballs in half. Then place on a hoagie roll or bread of your choice. Add condiments or spread, some vegan cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a tasty sandwich. These meatballs can also be put in a wrap, tortilla or pita bread. Just add some lettuce, sprouts, tomato, avocado, and your favorite sauce or condiments.
  • Appetizer: Serve a tray of chickpea meatballs with toothpick skewers for easy handling. Add various dipping sauces or lightly drizzle them with a dip or dressing. Tray a favorite like vegan ranch or marinara sauce.
  • In Salads: Add the chickpea meatballs to a side salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
  • Make a meatball sub: Stuff a sub roll with the chickpea meatballs, tomato sauce, and vegan cheese for a delicious meatball sub.
  • With roasted vegetables: Serve the chickpea meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables.
  • With rice, quinoa or grains: Serve the chickpea meatballs with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, couscous, or millet. Add your favorite vegetables and gravy or sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

What Dips Pair Well with Chickpea Meatballs?

These vegan chickpea meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and dressings that enhance their savory, herbaceous flavors. Here are some suggestions and options:

  • Marinara Sauce: A classic choice for Italian dishes, marinara sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over chickpea meatballs.
  • Vegan Pesto: The rich basil and nut flavors of pesto complement the Italian herbs in the meatballs.
  • Vegan Alfredo Sauce: Creamy vegan Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious touch to your chickpea meatballs.
  • Vegan Caesar Dressing: The tangy and garlicky flavors of Caesar dressing can be a unique and delightful pairing.
  • Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze can provide a sweet and tangy contrast.
  • Vegan Gravy: Vegan Gravy or Vegan Mushroom Gravy. The rich and savory flavors of the gravy can complement the flavors of the chickpea meatballs. You can either pour the gravy over the chickpea meatballs or serve it on the side for dipping or drizzling.
  • Vegan Tzatziki: While traditionally used with Mediterranean cuisine, a cucumber and yogurt-based tzatziki can add a refreshing twist to Italian-style chickpea meatballs.
  • Vegan Ranch Dressing: Creamy vegan ranch with herbs and spices can offer a cooling and familiar dip for your meatballs.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: The sweet and smoky notes of roasted red pepper sauce complement the chickpea meatballs beautifully.
  • Garlic Aioli: A vegan garlic aioli made with vegan mayo, garlic, and lemon juice can add a garlicky punch to your dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a bright, tangy flavor. Try Cashew Sour Cream or Tofu Sour Cream.
  • Cheese Sauce: Creamy cheeses add a kick of goodness. Try Vegan Tofu Ricotta Cheese or Vegan Cashew Cheese.
  • For a Mediterranean Twist: Try Hummus or Tahini Sauce.

More Delicious Vegan Meatball Recipes

Storage Tips

Vegan chickpea meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, it is recommended to store them in a single layer. Put them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, you can either microwave them for a minute or two. Another way to heat them is by using a skillet. Use a bit of oil over medium heat until heated through.

Vegan Chickpea Meatballs

These vegan chickpea meatballs are irresistible and super easy to make. They are made with chickpeas, bread crumbs, almond flour, nutritional yeast, and various seasonings. You'll love these meatballs that are packed with protein and flavor!
Print Recipe
Vegan Chickpea Meatballs on a white and blue plate with greens in the background
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ½ cup water or plant-based milk (add more if needed)
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons tamari, soy sauce, or coconut amino
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Finely mash the chickpeas in a food processor. Or put the chickpeas in a bowl, and mash them with aa fork or potato masher.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the mashed chickpeas, bread crumbs, almond flour, nutritional yeast, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasonings, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Add the water or plant-based milk a little at at time to add enough moisture for the mixture to stick together. Mix well.
  • Shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Serve with your favorite sauce or on a bed of pasta. Enjoy your vegan meatballs!

Review:

“I made these tonight, and they’re AMAZING! Thank you for posting! I only write the very best recipes on a card for my cherished recipe box, and these are definitely going on a card. I will make these often.”
— Ericka Kendall

It was a pleasure to come across Ericka Kendall’s glowing review of our Chickpea Meatballs recipe. These kind words and enthusiasm for the dish warmed our hearts. We reached out, and to our delight, Ericka shared a delicious menu inspired by these Chickpea Meatballs, and allowed us to pass along their creative culinary inspiration to all of you:

Main Course: Vegan Chickpea Meatballs served with Forbidden rice.
Sauce: Drizzled with Sriracha Vegenaise for an extra kick.
Side Dish: Served alongside garlicky green beans, completing a truly satisfying and wholesome meal.


Ericka’s imaginative pairing showcases how versatile and enjoyable plant-based cuisine can be. We hope their menu inspires others to explore the endless possibilities of vegan cooking while relishing the delectable flavors of our Chickpea Meatballs.

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made Erika’s dinner with the meatballs and used brown rice instead. It’s delicious. Next week I’ll try them meatballs again with potatoes and gravy.

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