29 Tasty Vegan Canned Food Recipes with Beans, Lentils and Chickpeas

February 9, 2023 Stan

Having a food emergency or just don’t feel like cooking/soaking legumes? Make these super flavorful and easy vegan recipes with canned beans, lentils and chickpeas.

Vegan Canned Food Recipes

Beans

1. Smoky Beans on Toast

English breakfast, anyone? Beans on toast takes just minutes to assemble and offers a healthy source of protein to kickstart your day.

2. Tuscan White Bean Skillet

This dish is a colorful combination of brightly colored veggies like spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Tuscan inspired meal you can serve for either lunch or dinner.

3. Three Bean Chili

Pair this vegan chili, which utilizes three different types of beans, with some cornbread for a relaxing family dinner (especially on a cold night in).

4. BBQ Black Bean Meatballs

Good BBQ focuses on the spices and that finger-licking smokey sauce — and that’s exactly what you’ll get with these BBQ black bean balls, minus the meat of course.

5. White Bean Arugula Pasta

This pasta dish is comforting, utilizes zesty flavors and ingredients such as lemon and arugula. Side note, this dish is so quick you can whip it up in under 20 minutes.

6. Mexican Bean Salad

For a southwest inspired flavor you can enjoy every day, consider making this completely balanced meal that uses ingredients such as sweet corn and creamy avocado.

7. Spanish Beans with Tomatoes

Try your hand at creating an impressive tapas menu for your next meal. This one-pot Spanish dish is smokey, flavorful, and goes great with toasted bread.

For a culture infused meal that brings together some of the best flavors from both sides of the border, bake this cornmeal crust pizza and top it off with yummy taco ingredients like crunchy lettuce and crushed taco shell bits.

9. White Bean Spread (Paté)

This will be your new favorite dip — but healthier. This vegan pate spread uses onions, garlic, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes for a crave-worthy, umami flavor that will have your loved ones begging you to bring out more.

10. Smoky Bean Burger

How can you beef up your burger with absolutely no beef? This BBQ burger can impress even the most devout carnivore thanks to the fresh veggies and signature Jack Daniels BBQ sauce.

11. Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Salsa can get stale, so when you need to shake things up, consider a Mediterranean inspired dip that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. This roasted garlic and white bean dip tastes great on crackers and can even be spread on sandwiches.

Lentils

12. Lentil Loaf

For nights when you’re craving something hearty and warm for dinner, opt for a lentil loaf with a side of (vegan) butter mashed potatoes. This loaf is a great “meaty” substitute, as it packs a decent punch of protein.

13. Lentil Bolognese

A steaming bowl of spaghetti is always a good idea to make. However, this time around, this classic Italian dish gets a legume makeover, swapping out ground beef for tasty lentils instead.

14. Mediterranean Lentil Salad

If you’re trying to eat more veggies throughout the day, but hate the thought of packing a bland salad for lunch, give this Mediterranean lentil, cucumber, and tomato salad a try.

15. Mujadara

If you’re new to cooking, consider this Mujadara dish that is both budget-friendly and easy to make with ingredients you already have at home.

16. Shwarama Wraps

One of the best aspects of assembling a veggie wrap for lunch is that you can customize it to your liking. However, you’ll want to make this Shwarama wrap as is since it combines some of the richest and most exciting flavors on the globe.

17. Lentil Tuna

Vegan Lentil Tuna Spread — Photo: The Green Loot

If you’re new to the meat-free lifestyle, you may find this faux-tuna recipe helpful while transitioning and beyond. It utilizes one of the most versatile foods in the world — lentils!

18. Spicy Quinoa Lentil Wraps

If you’d like your food to have more of a kick, consider adding this spicy quinoa wrap into your rotation. The chili paste packs a punch and the cabbage offers a nice crunch.

Chickpeas

19. Chickpea Noodle Soup

They say noodle soup is good for the soul. You can say the same thing about this chickpea chicken-less noodle soup. If you’re a fan of pasta, veggies and warm broth, you’ll love this variation.

20. Chickpea Meatloaf

Chickpea “meat”loaf will make for a wonderful meal especially around the holidays as it utilizes a comforting and festive maple glaze. Of course you can eat this wonderful loaf all year round!

21. Spiced Butter Chickpeas

For a night of Indian cuisine — minus the meat and cost of takeout — try this soul warming spiced butter chickpea dish over rice.

22. Chickpea “Tuna” Pasta Salad

Whip up this easy to prepare chickpea pasta salad for a truly effortless lunch or dinner for anyone, regardless of their dietary preferences, to enjoy.

23. Firecracker Chickpea Meatballs

Torn on what to prepare as an appealing appetizer? These spicy firecracker balls made from chickpeas can be served alone, in wraps, or in sandwiches.

24. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Long gone are the days of tired old PB and J sandwiches. Instead, give these healthy and filling chickpea salad sandwiches, complete with roasted carrots and buttery avocado, a try.

25. Chickpea Spinach Curry

Power your body with nourishing plants such as chickpeas, spinach, and peppers. This chickpea curry combines all of these ingredients for a dinner that’s tasty, cheap, and nutritious.

More affordable vegan recipes:

What are your favorite vegan canned food recipes?

Let me know in the comments!