20 recipes that make beans feel like the main event
These bean recipes are a solid option when you need something filling that doesn’t cost much. Some are quick, some take a little time, but all of them are pretty low effort. They work for lunches, dinners, or whenever the fridge is looking a little empty.
White Bean and Ham Soup
White bean and ham soup is cozy, filling, and hits all the right savory notes. It’s a solid way to use up leftover ham and makes a great meal when you’re not in the mood to cook anything complicated. Get the recipe: White Bean and Ham Soup
Avocado Chickpea Salad With Feta
This avocado chickpea salad is essentially summer in a bowl – easy, fresh, and perfect for picnics or meal prep. Just toss crispy chickpeas, veggies, and lettuce with a simple olive oil dressing and you’re good to go. Get the recipe: Avocado Chickpea Salad With Feta
Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Chipotle black bean dip is smoky, spicy, and ultra-creamy, making every chip dunk totally addictive. It’s the perfect balance of heat and flavor to keep your snacks on point all through the movie. Get the recipe: Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Here’s a legit New Orleans red beans and rice recipe straight from a Cajun. It’s creamy, loaded with bacon, smoked ham, and andouille sausage, and perfect over rice for a seriously meaty, rich meal. Get the recipe: Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Beans and Quinoa Baked Fritters
These crispy bean and quinoa fritters come together fast with carrots, sweet potatoes, and pantry staples. Great as a snack, side, or light meal that feels like you kind of tried. Get the recipe: Beans and Quinoa Baked Fritters
Classic Homemade Hummus
This homemade hummus is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavour. Whether dipping veggies, spreading it on a sandwich, or serving it with pita, it’s the perfect versatile snack. Get the recipe: Classic Homemade Hummus
Chickpea Curry Soup
This chickpea curry soup is the perfect cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day. Hearty, protein-packed, and full of savory flavor, it’s ready in just 30 minutes with easy ingredients. Get the recipe: Chickpea Curry Soup
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
This Mediterranean chopped salad is loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. It comes together fast and works for pretty much anything you’ve got going on. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Creamy Chickpea Salad
Juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and chickpeas tossed in a lemon-dill dressing and stuffed into buttery croissants make this recipe seriously crave-worthy. This creamy chickpea salad might be the easiest vegetarian lunch you actually look forward to. Get the recipe: Creamy Chickpea Salad
Easy Chickpea Burger Recipe
These easy chickpea burger patties are vegan, gluten-free, and ready in no time. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have plenty of time to load up on toppings and sides. Get the Recipe: Easy Chickpea Burger Recipe
One-Pot Lemon Bean Soup with Parmesan and Peas
White beans simmer in a cozy, Italian-style broth until perfectly tender and full of flavor. Toss in some peas, asparagus, and a squeeze of lemon, and it’s basically spring in a bowl. Get the recipe: One-Pot Lemon Bean Soup with Parmesan and Peas
Italian Tuna White Bean Salad
This Italian tuna white bean salad, or insalata di tonno e fagioli, features fresh tuna steaks and cannellini beans. It’s a simple, flavorful Tuscan classic that makes for a satisfying lunch or a tasty side dish with Mediterranean flair. Get the recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad
Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
This creamy coconut chickpea curry is loaded with wholesome spices and comes together in just one pot. Healthy, plant-based, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe: Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
3-Ingredient Crispy Cocoa Air Fryer Chickpeas
Looking for a quick and easy chocolate snack? These 3-Ingredient crispy cocoa chickpeas are gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, and sugar-free. This recipe can be made quickly and oil-free in the air fryer. Get the recipe: 3-Ingredient Crispy Cocoa Air Fryer Chickpeas
Cilantro Three-Bean Salad
Ideal for healthy meal prep, this salad tastes better and better. You cannot get enough of protein-packed beans, crunchy veggies, and a cilantro salsa dressing. Get the recipe: Cilantro Three Bean Salad
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Black beans, rice, creamy avocado, and crunchy corn all dressed in a chili maple dressing that you could drink. This cowboy caviar salad will be on repeat all summer long. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Chickpea Cookie Bars
Chickpea cookie bars aka blondies are incredibly chewy and surprisingly sweet, with a rich, nutty flavour. Made with chickpeas, they’re a great option for a gluten-free treat that packs in a bit of extra protein. Get the recipe: Chickpea Blondies
Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Spicy roasted chickpeas are the ultimate crunchy snack for movie night. With the perfect crunch and just the right amount of heat, they’re a fun alternative you’ll keep munching on through every cliffhanger. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This chickpea salad sandwich is a plant-based spin on the classic that actually fills you up. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber and protein. Get the recipe: Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Bean and cheese tacos are the easy, flavor-packed weeknight fix you need. Crispy, cheesy, and topped with a creamy chipotle sauce—ready in 30 minutes and guaranteed to disappear fast. Get the Recipe: Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos with Chipotle Sauce