There’s something so inviting about the warm spices and hearty texture in my Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crispy roasted chickpeas, tangy garlic dill sauce, and fresh parsley-tomato salad all layered over creamy hummus—a real crowd-pleaser every time.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this dip for casual get-togethers and busy weeknight snacks, and it always disappears quickly. It’s simple to make but feels sophisticated, mixing those cozy shawarma spices with fresh and tangy elements for a layered flavor experience.
- Flavor-packed roasted chickpeas: They get perfectly crispy and soak up the shawarma spices beautifully.
- Simple fresh parsley-tomato salad: Adds a bright, herbaceous crunch that balances the richness.
- Easy garlic dill sauce: Creamy, tangy, and with just the right zing to tie everything together.
- Ready in just 30 minutes: Perfect when you want something impressive but not complicated.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient plays a key role here, creating that perfect shawarma-inspired harmony. The spices coat the chickpeas so they taste smoky and aromatic, while the parsley salad brings fresh brightness. And that garlic dill sauce? It’s the magic glue!
- Chickpeas: Use canned for convenience but make sure they’re well drained so they crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Olive or avocado oil: Helps roast the chickpeas evenly and lends subtle richness.
- Coconut sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spices without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, oregano: Classic shawarma flavors that infuse the chickpeas with warmth and depth.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—even the hummus.
- Hummus: Acts as a creamy base; you can use store-bought or homemade depending on your mood!
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness to both the salad and sauce, cutting through richness beautifully.
- Dill (dried or fresh): Gives the garlic sauce that distinctive, herby kick—fresh dill especially takes it to another level.
- Garlic: The punch in the sauce that wakes up all the flavors.
- Water or unsweetened almond milk: Just enough to thin the sauce for drizzling.
- Parsley: I use lots of it chopped fine for a fresh, grassy contrast to the deeper spiced chickpeas.
- Cherry or roma tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a refreshing pop in the salad.
- Red onion: Adds crispness and a bit of sharp bite to balance the other elements.
- More lemon juice and olive oil (for salad): Keeps the salad lively and well-dressed.
- Pita chips, fresh pita, or naan: For scooping up every last bit and enjoying the textural contrast.
- Veggies like cucumber or red pepper: Optional dippers that add crunch and coolness.
- Chili garlic sauce: My secret weapon to add a touch of heat and depth when serving.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it vegan, a little spicier, or fresher with extra herbs—go for it! Your kitchen, your rules.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out dill for fresh mint or cilantro, giving the sauce an unexpected but delightful twist. It’s refreshing and totally delicious.
- Dietary changes: Keep it dairy-free and vegan by sticking to plant-based ingredients, and use gluten-free naan or fresh veggies for dipping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or more chili garlic sauce if you like a little heat—just be careful not to overpower the delicate balance.
- Make it heartier: Toss in some roasted eggplant cubes or extra chickpeas on top for a more substantial version that can pass as a light meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe
Step 1: Roast Those Chickpeas to Crispy Perfection
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your chickpeas are well drained—this is key to getting that crispy texture we're after. Toss them with olive or avocado oil, coconut sugar, and the shawarma spices: smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even roasting. Bake for about 20-22 minutes until they’re deep golden and smell absolutely irresistible. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning—they should be crisp but not charred.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Garlic Dill Sauce
While those chickpeas roast, mix up the sauce. Combine hummus, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill (or fresh if you prefer), and a splash of water or almond milk. Whisk until smooth and pourable but still creamy. Taste and tweak—need more garlic punch? Add it. Want brighter acidity? Lemon juice to the rescue. This sauce really brings the whole dish together, so don’t be shy with seasoning.
Step 3: Toss the Fresh Parsley-Tomato Salad
Mix up the parsley, diced tomatoes, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple salad adds freshness and a lovely crunch that balances the rich dip perfectly. Set it aside while your chickpeas finish roasting.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Spread a generous layer of hummus on your serving platter, then scatter those golden roasted chickpeas on top. Follow with a good handful of the parsley-tomato salad and drizzle on your garlic dill sauce. I always add a few dashes of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick—trust me, it’s worth it. Serve with warm pita, naan, pita chips, or crunchy veggies, and watch how quickly everyone digs in.
Top Tip
After making this dish several times, I’ve learned a few tricks to help you nail it on your first try. These tips make all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Drain Chickpeas Thoroughly: Too much moisture means soggy chickpeas. Use a kitchen towel to pat them dry before roasting for maximum crispiness.
- Even Layer for Roasting: Give those chickpeas space on the pan to roast evenly instead of steaming. Crowding them leads to chewy spots.
- Adjust Garlic and Dill to Taste: The sauce is forgiving—taste as you go and add more garlic or dill until it sings to you.
- Serve Immediately: The roasted chickpeas are best fresh to keep their crunch, so plan to serve right out of the oven whenever possible.
How to Serve Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce on top just before serving. A few pomegranate seeds can also add a fun burst of color and hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Side Dishes
This dip shines alongside a fresh cucumber-tomato salad or crispy roasted vegetables. Warm flatbread or pita chips are perfect for scooping, and some stuffed grape leaves or marinated olives make a lovely Middle Eastern-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I like to serve this in individual mini bowls or on small plates layered as an open-faced dip. You can also build it in a pita pocket for a tasty handheld snack that guests can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store the components separately—hummus, roasted chickpeas, salad, and sauce—in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, the chickpeas stay crisp longer, and the salad doesn’t get soggy. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the whole assembled dip since the fresh salad and crispy chickpeas lose their texture. However, you can freeze leftover hummus or cooked chickpeas separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the roasted chickpeas in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving the salad or sauce—serve those chilled and freshly tossed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can reduce the oil a bit, but some oil helps achieve that wonderful crispiness in the chickpeas and enriches the sauce. Using a small amount of oil, like avocado oil, keeps it light and tasty.
Yes! By sticking to gluten-free naan or serving with veggies or gluten-free pita chips, this dip is safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
The dip itself is mild, with warmth from the shawarma spices but no intense heat. You can easily add chili garlic sauce, cayenne, or a pinch of chili flakes to kick up the spice level to your preference.
Absolutely! Prepare each component in advance and assemble just before serving. This keeps the chickpeas crispy and salad fresh, making party-time stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chickpea Shawarma Dip Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together quickly. I always love sharing it with friends because it’s easy to customize, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for dipping into with virtually anything. Give it a go—you’ll end up coming back to this recipe again and again, I promise!
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
A flavorful 30-minute Chickpea Shawarma Dip featuring crispy baked chickpeas, a fresh parsley-tomato salad, and a creamy garlic dill sauce. Perfect for serving with pita, naan, or fresh vegetables as a healthy and satisfying appetizer or snack.
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 sub 2-3 teaspoon fresh per ¾-1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (3 cloves yield ~1 ½ Tbsp)
- Water or unsweetened almond milk, 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 each sea salt and black pepper
Serving
- 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, such as Huy Fong Foods brand)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Drain the chickpeas well and place them in a mixing bowl. Add olive or avocado oil, coconut sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the chickpeas on a bare or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 22 minutes or until deep golden brown and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Dill Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine hummus, lemon juice, dried dill, and minced garlic. Whisk together, adding water or unsweetened almond milk little by little to thin the sauce until it is pourable. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more garlic for zing, salt for savoriness, lemon juice for freshness, or dill for herb flavor as desired.
- Make Parsley-Tomato Salad: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the 16 ounces of hummus evenly on a serving platter. Top with the roasted chickpeas, then the parsley-tomato salad. Drizzle the garlic dill sauce over the top. For extra heat, garnish with a drizzle of chili garlic sauce if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the dip fresh with pita chips, fresh pita, naan, gluten-free naan, or assorted vegetables such as cucumber and red pepper. Store leftovers separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use well-drained chickpeas to ensure crispiness when roasting.
- Adjust the garlic dill sauce thickness by adding more or less water or almond milk according to your preference.
- Fresh dill can be used instead of dried dill; use about three times the amount.
- For a spicier flavor, add chili garlic sauce as a garnish.
- Store hummus, roasted chickpeas, parsley salad, and garlic dill sauce separately to maintain freshness up to 3 days.
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 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22.6 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Leave a Reply