Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap

Name: Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon shawarma spice mix; Salt to taste; 4 large tortillas or wraps; 1 cup mixed greens; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Water to thin; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

I love crafting this Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap because it combines textures and flavors in a way that always satisfies. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and just bursting with Middle Eastern spices! The crispy chickpeas provide that crunch I crave, while the fresh vegetables and tahini sauce make it feel bright and invigorating. Whether it's for lunch or a light dinner, this wrap never disappoints and often becomes a go-to in our household.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:35:32.733Z

In my quest to recreate the flavors of my favorite shawarma joint, I stumbled upon the wonder of crispy chickpeas. Baking them gives a delightful crunch that I hadn’t expected, making them an ideal stand-in for meat. I love how the spice mix coats each chickpea perfectly, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.

What really sets this wrap apart is the tahini sauce. I’ve learned to balance the acidity with a touch of lemon and garlic, creating a creamy drizzle that brings the whole thing together. Adding lots of fresh vegetables also introduces a nice crunch, making this not just a meal, but a delightful experience.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy chickpeas that are packed with flavor and crunch
Fresh vegetables that add a vibrant touch
Creamy tahini sauce for a rich finish

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The foundation of a great Crispy Chickpea Shawarma Wrap lies in the selection of high-quality ingredients. Using canned chickpeas is a convenient option, but for an even better texture, you can opt for dried chickpeas that you soak and cook yourself. This method typically yields a firmer chickpea, which can enhance the overall crunch in your wrap. Just remember to cook them until tender yet firm, according to package instructions.

When it comes to the shawarma spice mix, you have the freedom to customize the blend to your taste. Essential spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika provide depth, but feel free to experiment with cayenne for heat or sumac for tang. A personal tip I love is to add a touch of cinnamon for a warm twist that complements the chickpeas beautifully.

Perfecting the Tahini Sauce

Getting the tahini sauce just right is crucial for elevating your wrap. Start with thick tahini; if you find it a bit too thick after whisking with lemon juice and garlic, adding water gradually will help you achieve a pourable consistency. The balance of acid from the lemon juice and the richness of the tahini creates a luscious, zesty sauce that enhances every bite.

For an added flavor boost, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the tahini sauce. This not only adds freshness but also a pop of color. Additionally, a dash of smoked paprika can lend a subtle smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the crispy chickpeas.

Storing and Serving Tips

If you're making this recipe in advance, store the crispy chickpeas in an airtight container to maintain their crunch—just be aware that they are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. To keep your wraps from getting soggy, assemble just before you're ready to eat. Serve with additional tahini sauce on the side for dipping and drizzling, which can enhance the eating experience even further.

You can also modify this wrap to suit different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, opt for corn or gluten-free wraps. If you're looking to lighten things up, try replacing the tahini sauce with a yogurt-based sauce or a dairy-free yogurt alternative, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the chickpeas.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chickpeas

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon shawarma spice mix
Salt to taste

For the Wrap

4 large tortillas or wraps
1 cup mixed greens
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Tahini Sauce

1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Water to thin
Salt to taste

Directions

Prepare the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, shawarma spice mix, and salt until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake

Bake the chickpeas for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Make the Tahini Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Wraps

Lay out the tortillas and add mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, onions, and a generous amount of crispy chickpeas. Drizzle with tahini sauce and wrap tightly.

Serve

Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately. Enjoy the crunch and creamy flavors!

Pro Tips

To save time, you can prepare the tahini sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or pickled ingredients for extra flavor and crunch.

Flavor Boosting Techniques

To maximize flavor in your crispy chickpeas, consider marinating them in the olive oil and shawarma spice mix for at least 30 minutes before baking. This extra time allows for deeper infusion of flavors, making every bite more impactful. For an added crunch, you can also experiment with double baking them—first at a lower temperature to dry them out, then at a higher heat until crispy.

When assembling your wraps, layering is key. Start with a base of mixed greens to act as a barrier that prevents the tortilla from getting soggy. I always press the vegetables down a bit to ensure they stay in place, resulting in a more satisfying bite.

Variations to Try

Don’t hesitate to play around with the vegetables in your wrap! Roasted peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado slices can make excellent substitutions or additions. Each choice can bring a different texture and flavor profile, making the dish feel new each time you make it.

If you're craving a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce when assembling your wraps. Not only will it bring excitement, but it can also balance out the creaminess of the tahini sauce for a more dynamic flavor experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them first which takes additional time.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves to make a low-carb version.

→ Can I prepare the chickpeas in advance?

Absolutely! Crispy chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.