Chickpea Meatballs
Published on April 21, 2025
Quick Summary
These baked Chickpea Meatballs are a flavorful, veggie-packed plant-based protein you'll want on repeat. Made with chickpeas, zucchini, carrots, herbs, and feta, they're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for bowls, pitas, salads, or snacking. Easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and no frying required!
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Vegetarian Chickpea Meatballs: Flavorful, Versatile, and Satisfying
If you're looking for a flavorful, feel-good meal that is plant-based, protein-packed, and totally satisfying, you have to try my Chickpea Meatballs.
They are made with a base of chickpeas, plus grated zucchini and carrots to keep them moist and tender, they also get a boost of flavor from feta cheese, lemon zest, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs. A handful of breadcrumbs helps bind it all together.
They're baked in the oven, so no frying required — but they still come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're a meal prep dream — easy to make in advance, freezer-friendly, and perfect for tossing into lunches or dinners throughout the week.
I love building a colorful Mediterranean-inspired bowl with rice (or cauliflower rice), greens, creamy tzatziki, pickled red onions, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing, all topped with chickpea meatballs and a sprinkle of feta.
You can also stuff them in a pita, serve them over greens, enjoy them with pasta and marinara sauce, or snack on them straight from the fridge (guilty), these little guys are here to level up your weekday meals with minimal effort.
Chickpea Meatball Tips
- Don't over-blend your mixture. You want some texture — think sticky, not mushy. Add the panko mixture last and only pulse a few times.
- Use a small cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands to form uniform balls for even cooking.
- Spray generously with oil. A good coating of avocado oil or olive oil spray before baking helps the meatballs get that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior — no frying needed!
- Make it your own. Add in a little cumin, paprika, or finely chopped spinach to mix things up!
Crispy Chickpea Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Avocado or olive oil spray
For the bowls:
- Cauliflower rice or rice (can use quinoa)
- Arugula or mixed greens
- Tzatziki sauce
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped cucumber
- Chopped tomatoes
- Tahini Dressing
- Feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the chickpeas, zucchini, carrots, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and oregano. Pulse until well combined and mostly smooth. Add the panko and pulse just a few times until mixed in.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 ½ tablespoons per ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Spray generously with oil spray.
- Bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until the balls are golden brown on the bottom and slightly crispy on the outside.
- To assemble bowls, add rice and greens to bowl. Top with the chickpea meatballs, tzatziki, pickled red onions, cucumber, and tomato. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with feta cheese. You can also enjoy the chickpea meatballs in a pita sandwich, over greens, or plain!
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Frequently Asked Questions for This Recipe
Do I need to use canned chickpeas or can I cook my own? I like to use canned chickpeas because they're super convenient — just rinse and drain well. If you're using dried chickpeas, cook them until tender before blending. You need 15 oz of chickpeas, which is about 1 ½ cups.
Can I make the meatballs in the air fryer? Yes, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly grease or spray the basket, then place the meatballs in a single layer (don't overcrowd). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they're golden and slightly crisp on the outside.
Can I freeze chickpea meatballs? Yes, they freeze beatufully! Freeze them cooked and cooled on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer for best texture.
Are chickpea meatballs gluten-free? They can be! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What sauces go well with them? Tzatziki, tahini dressing, hummus, marinara sauce, romesco, jalapeño ranch, or even spicy harissa.