There’s something incredibly satisfying about the bold, smoky flavors paired with creamy textures in this Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as perfect for a weeknight snack as it is for a casual gathering with friends.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I have to admit, the first time I made this Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe, I was instantly hooked. The way the spices roast into the chickpeas while the zesty, herby sauce balances everything is pure magic. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple but feels a little special — and it definitely earns a spot in your regular rotation.
- Roasted Chickpea Goodness: Baking the chickpeas deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch that’s hard to beat.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The garlic dill sauce brightens and ties all the ingredients together effortlessly.
- Fresh Parsley-Tomato Salad: It adds a fresh, lively contrast that keeps the dip from feeling heavy.
- Versatility: Whether scooped up with pita chips, naan, or crunchy veggies, it always hits the spot.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Plus, most items are easy to find, and you probably have a few in your pantry already.
- Chickpeas: The star protein of the dish that gets beautifully roasted for crispy, nutty crunch.
- Olive or avocado oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes even roasting without being heavy.
- Coconut sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural earthiness and help caramelization.
- Smoked paprika: Adds that signature warm, smoky depth essential for shawarma-inspired dishes.
- Ground cumin: Brings a comforting, slightly nutty spice flavor.
- Ground turmeric: Gives gorgeous color and subtle earthiness, plus health perks.
- Dried oregano: Infuses an herbaceous note that brightens this savory dip.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Balances and elevates every flavor layer.
- Hummus: Acts as a creamy base and adds extra richness, making the dip even more indulgent.
- Lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with fresh acidity.
- Dried dill (or fresh): Contributes a subtle hint of herbal crispness.
- Garlic: The garlic is a must for zing—freshly minced gives the best flavor.
- Water or unsweetened almond milk: Thins the sauce just enough so it pours without losing richness.
- Parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh pop that contrasts the warm spices perfectly.
- Cherry or roma tomatoes: Juicy, colorful, and slightly sweet—brilliant for texture and contrast.
- Red onion: Gives gentle sharpness without overpowering the other elements.
- Olive oil (for salad): Brings silky smoothness to the fresh parsley salad.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who like a little kick, it’s my favorite add-on.
- Pita chips, fresh pita, or naan: The perfect vehicles to scoop up every delicious bite.
- Vegetables: Cucumber, red pepper, or any crunchy veggie you enjoy make great healthy dippers.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about the Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can dial up the heat or keep it mild, swap out herbs for what you have on hand, or make it vegan without missing a beat.
- Spice It Up: I sometimes mix in smoked chili powder or cayenne if I’m craving extra heat — it makes the dip pop wonderfully.
- Herb Swaps: Fresh dill is fantastic, but I’ve also subbed mint or cilantro with great success, giving a different herbal twist.
- Make It Creamier: Stirring in a little tahini with the hummus adds a nutty richness that’s dreamy.
- Health Boost: Adding finely grated carrot or roasted cauliflower to the salad ups the veggie factor deliciously.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast Those Chickpeas to Golden Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain your chickpeas well so they crisp up nicely. Then toss them with olive or avocado oil, coconut sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Pop them in the oven for 20-22 minutes. You’ll know they're ready when they turn a rich golden brown and fill your kitchen with spice-scented warmth. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes so they don’t burn!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Garlic Dill Sauce
While the chickpeas are roasting, whisk together hummus, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and just enough water or almond milk to make a smooth, pourable sauce. Taste as you go — sometimes I add an extra clove of garlic or a squeeze more lemon depending on my mood. This sauce brings brightness and that garlicky punch that makes the dip sing.
Step 3: Toss a Fresh Parsley-Tomato Salad
In a small bowl, combine finely chopped parsley, diced cherry or roma tomatoes, and red onion. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. This adds a vibrant, crunchy contrast that balances the creamy dip and crispy chickpeas beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
On your serving platter, spread a generous layer of hummus first. Then, sprinkle the warm roasted chickpeas on top, followed by a vibrant layer of parsley-tomato salad. Drizzle the garlic dill sauce over everything, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a swirl of chili garlic sauce for heat. Serve with pita chips, warm naan, or crunchy veggie sticks—trust me, everyone loves digging into this!
Top Tip
After trying this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make a difference. These tips will help you avoid pitfalls and get consistent, delicious results every time.
- Pat the Chickpeas Dry: I always dry my chickpeas thoroughly before roasting. If there’s too much moisture, they steam instead of crisping up.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: Even though it’s a small amount, coconut sugar helps the spices caramelize and deepen beautifully.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency Slowly: Add your water or almond milk a little at a time so the garlic dill sauce stays rich but pourable.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh parsley and fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor, so don’t substitute dried if you can avoid it.
How to Serve Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, I usually add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves. The sauce adds a beautiful fiery pop, and the parsley keeps things fresh and inviting. A little lemon zest over the top is a simple upgrade if you want to brighten it even more.
Side Dishes
I love serving this dip alongside warm naan bread and a crunchy cucumber salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a fresh tabbouleh salad also pair really well — it turns the whole meal into a vibrant Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve laid out the dip in a shallow platter with separate bowls of roasted chickpeas, sauce, and salad around it so guests can build their own perfect combos. It’s great fun and looks gorgeous with colorful veggies and pita chips scattered around for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When storing leftovers, I recommend keeping the hummus, roasted chickpeas, garlic dill sauce, and parsley salad separately in airtight containers. Chickpeas will lose their crispness if stored mixed with sauce. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the roasted chickpeas alone with good results—just thaw them and crisp up in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving. The fresh parsley salad doesn’t freeze well, so I always make that fresh. The hummus and sauce freeze okay but can lose a bit of texture, so fresh is best.
Reheating
To reheat roasted chickpeas, spread them on a baking tray and pop in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp again. The sauce and hummus are best served cold or at room temp — just give them a good stir before plating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Using canned chickpeas is perfectly fine for this Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe and saves lots of time. Just make sure to drain and pat them very dry to get that perfect crispy roast. Cooking your own chickpeas from dry is an option but not necessary for a quick, delicious dip.
You can use store-bought hummus or make your own. Plain or garlic-flavored hummus both work well. If you want more creamy richness, you can add a spoonful of tahini to the hummus before incorporating it into the dip.
Absolutely! Serve the dip with gluten-free naan or fresh veggies and gluten-free pita chips, and the recipe remains naturally gluten-free since none of the main ingredients contain gluten.
This dip is gently spiced with smoky paprika and cumin, but it’s not particularly hot. You can easily increase the heat by adding chili powder, cayenne, or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe is truly one of my favorite quick recipes to bring together when I want something flavorful but effortless. I love how adaptable it is and how it always feels a little festive, even on an ordinary night. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s a simple way to brighten up any meal or snack time!
Print
Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chickpea Shawarma Dip is a flavorful, shawarma-inspired appetizer featuring baked spiced chickpeas, a fresh parsley-tomato salad, and a creamy garlic dill sauce, all layered over smooth hummus. Perfect for serving with pita, naan, or fresh vegetables, this 30-minute recipe combines savory Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs for a delicious, plant-based snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Roasted Chickpeas
- 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, well drained
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Dill Sauce
- ¼ cup hummus (store-bought or DIY)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ - 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2-3 teaspoon fresh dill)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ Tbsp)
- Water or unsweetened almond milk, as needed to thin
Parsley-Tomato Salad
- 1 cup packed finely chopped parsley
- ½ cup diced cherry or roma tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
To Serve
- 16 ounces hummus (store-bought or DIY)
- Pita chips or fresh pita
- Naan (or gluten-free naan)
- Vegetables such as cucumber and red pepper
- Chili garlic sauce (optional, like Huy Fong Foods brand)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Add the well-drained chickpeas to a mixing bowl, then drizzle with olive or avocado oil and sprinkle coconut sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, turmeric, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat the chickpeas evenly.
- Bake chickpeas: Spread the coated chickpeas evenly on a bare or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 22 minutes or until the chickpeas turn deep golden brown and become fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make garlic dill sauce: While chickpeas are baking, combine the hummus, lemon juice, dried dill, minced garlic, and a small amount of water or unsweetened almond milk in a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine, adding liquids gradually until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings by adding more garlic, salt, lemon juice, or dill if desired.
- Prepare parsley-tomato salad: In a small mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
- Assemble the dip: On a serving platter, spread the 16 ounces of hummus evenly. Top with the baked chickpeas, then spoon the parsley-tomato salad over them. Drizzle the garlic dill sauce on top. Optionally, add a sprinkle or drizzle of chili garlic sauce for heat.
- Serve: Serve immediately with pita chips, fresh pita, naan, or fresh vegetables like cucumber and red pepper. Best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator separately for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried dill for a brighter herb flavor if available—use 2-3 teaspoon fresh dill to substitute ¾-1 teaspoon dried.
- Be sure to drain chickpeas very well before baking to get them crispy.
- Adjust the garlic in the sauce to your taste for more or less pungency.
- Leftovers keep best if you store hummus, salad, chickpeas, and sauce separately in airtight containers.
- This dip is excellent for parties or as a healthy snack option.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free naan or veggies instead of pita or regular naan.
- Adding chili garlic sauce is optional but adds a nice spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 one-third-cup serving
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Sugar: 2.6 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 13.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.6 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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