If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and super satisfying meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, then you have to try this Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe. It’s a colorful medley of creamy tahini-dressed chickpeas mingling with crisp veggies all tucked inside sturdy collard green leaves. This recipe is not only incredibly easy and fast to prepare but also a powerhouse of flavors and textures that’ll leave you feeling nourished and totally delighted. Whether for lunch, a light dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wraps bring a bright, healthy twist to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Every element plays a crucial role—from the hearty chickpeas and crunchy vegetables to the silky tahini dressing and sturdy collard leaves—combining to create a perfectly balanced bite every time.
- Chickpeas: Use one 15.5-oz. can, drained and rinsed for that creamy, protein-packed base.
- English cucumber: Half a cup of chopped cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Bell pepper: Half a cup chopped for vibrant color and a mild, sweet peppery taste.
- Celery: One-third cup chopped to bring in a crisp, refreshing texture.
- Red onion: Quarter cup chopped for a sharp, slightly spicy bite that balances the creaminess.
- Radishes (optional): Quarter cup chopped to add a peppery snap and extra color.
- Fresh parsley: Three tablespoons chopped for an herby, bright touch.
- Tahini sesame seed paste: A quarter cup; this rich, nutty dressing ties all the flavors together.
- Warm water: Three and a half tablespoons to thin the tahini into a smooth dressing.
- Lemon juice: One tablespoon freshly squeezed to add zesty brightness.
- Garlic powder: Quarter teaspoon to enhance the savory depth.
- Sea salt: Quarter teaspoon to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Quarter teaspoon for a subtle kick.
- Collard green leaves: Six leaves, washed and trimmed, perfect for wrapping the filling with sturdy, leafy goodness.
How to Make Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens
Start by removing the tough, raised vein from the center of each collard leaf to make rolling easier—this little detail makes a big difference when folding your wraps. Soak the leaves in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up without losing their essential crunch. After soaking, drain and gently pat dry with paper towels to keep the leaves fresh and pliable.
Step 2: Mix the Chickpea Salad Filling
While the collards are soaking, combine the chickpeas, chopped cucumber, bell pepper, celery, red onion, optional radishes, and fresh parsley in a medium bowl. This mix bursts with varied textures and colors, making it not only tasty but a feast for the eyes! The layers of flavor here are simple yet packed with freshness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Tahini Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk the tahini paste with warm water, lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This creates a luscious, creamy dressing that enhances the chickpeas with nutty, tangy, and slightly savory notes. Pour this over your chopped veggie and chickpea mixture, then toss gently until everything is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out each collard leaf flat on a large cutting board. Spoon the chickpea-tahini mixture down the center of each leaf, then fold the sides in and roll up like a jelly roll. The firm structure of the collard leaves holds the filling perfectly, making these wraps easy to eat and transport. For extra security, you can use wooden picks to keep them neatly rolled.
How to Serve Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your wraps, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving. Fresh lemon wedges on the side add a citrusy punch that brightens every bite, while a scattering of extra parsley adds that fresh, garden-picked vibe that makes this dish sing.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair wonderfully with light sides like a tangy beet salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip. The wraps themselves are substantial but adding a vibrant, crunchy salad can balance the meal for a well-rounded plate that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the rolls diagonally into bite-sized rounds to serve as party appetizers—perfect finger food for gatherings. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with colorful bowls of extra tahini sauce or hummus to dip in. They’re just as lovely and delicious served open-faced as a chickpea and veggie spread on collard leaves for a rustic, communal dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chickpea salad separate from the collard leaves in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the leaves from getting soggy and lets you enjoy fresh wraps the next day with minimal prep.
Freezing
Because collard greens and fresh veggies don’t freeze well, it’s best to only freeze the chickpea salad filling without the greens. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble fresh wraps when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since the wrap filling is typically served cold or at room temperature, no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently microwave the chickpea salad separately before rolling to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use another leafy green instead of collard greens?
Absolutely! While collard greens are sturdy and perfect for wrapping, you can substitute with large Swiss chard leaves, kale, or even romaine lettuce if you prefer a lighter wrap. Just keep in mind the texture and size for easy rolling.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary preferences and allergies without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the tahini dressing less bitter?
If your tahini tastes bitter, try adding a little extra lemon juice, a touch of maple syrup or honey (if not vegan), or a pinch more salt to balance out the flavor for a smoother, more pleasant dressing.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a picnic or lunchbox?
Yes! Prepare the chickpea salad and collard greens separately in advance. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the greens fresh and prevent sogginess. They pack wonderfully for a nutritious lunch on the go.
What can I add to make these wraps more filling?
To boost the protein and keep you full longer, consider adding cubed avocado, cooked quinoa, or a handful of toasted nuts or seeds to the chickpea mixture. These additions bring richness and extra texture to every bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe enough—it’s a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying way to enjoy plant-based eating without any fuss or complicated steps. Perfect for busy days or casual gatherings, these wraps prove healthy food can be packed with flavor, texture, and joy. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite that makes you look forward to every bite!
PrintChickpea Tahini Collard Wraps Recipe
These Chickpea Tahini Collard Wraps are a healthy, vibrant, and satisfying meal perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing, wrapped in nutrient-dense collard greens, this recipe is both delicious and wholesome.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 wraps
- Category: Main
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped radishes (optional)
- 3 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tahini sesame seed paste
- 3 1/2 Tbsp. warm water
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Wrap
- 6 collard green leaves or wraps of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Collard Greens: Remove the raised portion of the main vein from each collard leaf to make folding easier. Place the leaves in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Make the Chickpea Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped English cucumber, bell pepper, celery, red onion, radishes (if using), and fresh parsley. Mix gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Tahini Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the tahini, warm water, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the tahini dressing over the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all the ingredients thoroughly with the dressing.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay the collard leaves flat on a cutting board. Spoon an even amount of the chickpea salad down the center of each leaf. Fold in the edges of the leaf and roll tightly, like a jelly-roll, to encase the filling. Secure with wooden picks if needed to hold the wrap together.
Notes
- Removing the main vein of the collard greens is essential for easy rolling and prevents tearing.
- Feel free to substitute collard leaves with large kale or Swiss chard leaves if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the dressing.
- These wraps can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Serve with a side of hummus or your favorite dipping sauce for added indulgence.
