Hearty & Flavorful Vegan Chickpea Patties with Homemade Creamy Cashew Mayonnaise (Gluten-Free & Easy Meal Prep!)

Discover how to make incredibly easy, golden-brown chickpea patties paired with a luscious cashew mayonnaise. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, and adding plant-based protein to salads, bowls, and plates.

Hello, wonderful food enthusiasts!

As the weekend approaches, many of us are thinking about delicious, wholesome meals that are both easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that truly ticks all those boxes: my much-loved Vegan Chickpea Patties served with a delightful Cashew Mayonnaise. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a nostalgic recreation of a comforting dish from my childhood, lovingly adapted to be entirely plant-based and gluten-free.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s inspired by the salmon patties my mom used to whip up for us on busy school nights. Those crispy, savory patties, often served with a dollop of mayonnaise and fresh tomatoes, were a staple in our home. After a recent phone call where my parents reminisced about having them for dinner, I knew it was time to bring a vegan version to life on the blog. The challenge was exciting: how to capture that familiar flavor and texture while making it accessible for a plant-based diet? The answer was simpler than I thought!

By swapping canned salmon for nutrient-rich chickpeas and a traditional egg for a binding flax egg, I managed to create patties that are every bit as delicious and comforting as the original. The addition of a few spoonfuls of creamy tahini elevates the flavor profile, adding a subtle richness that truly makes these patties shine. The result? A hearty, plant-based protein source that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome dinner or efficient meal prep.

These vegan chickpea patties boast a beautiful golden-brown exterior, a wonderfully crispy texture, and are incredibly satisfying. They are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making them a fantastic healthy choice. My mom’s original recipe cleverly called for green bell pepper, an ingredient I often overlook in favor of the more vibrant red, yellow, and orange varieties. However, in these patties, the green pepper provides a lovely fresh crunch and a subtle pop of color against the otherwise warm, golden hue of the patties. It’s a detail that adds both flavor and visual appeal, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest difference.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan Chickpea Patties

The foundation of these delightful patties begins with a robust mixture of chickpeas and gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. This wholesome base is expertly bound together with a flax egg and a generous amount of creamy, runny tahini, ensuring the patties hold their shape beautifully. I designed this recipe with a minimalist approach to seasoning, allowing you the freedom to customize and personalize the flavors to suit your palate perfectly. This versatility makes them an excellent candidate for weekly meal prep, as you can easily switch up the spices and herbs for a different experience each time.

Don’t hesitate to experiment and infuse your favorite flavors! A dash of turmeric can add a warm, earthy note and a vibrant color, while smoked paprika offers a wonderful depth and subtle smokiness. A pinch of cumin can introduce an exotic, aromatic touch. Feel free to explore other herbs like fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. The secret to achieving the best texture – a delightful combination of soft and crunchy – lies in how you prepare the chickpeas. By smashing only about half of the chickpeas thoroughly, you create a creamy, cohesive base, while the remaining whole chickpeas provide a satisfying bite and textural contrast in every mouthful.

Here’s a detailed list of the simple ingredients you’ll need to make these savory vegan patties:

• drizzle avocado oil (for cooking)
• ground flaxseed (for the flax egg)
• Eden Foods Organic Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas)
• gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• runny tahini
• fresh green onion
• diced green pepper
• Himalayan sea salt
• garlic powder
• black pepper

That’s all it takes to create these incredibly flavorful and nutritious plant-based burgers!

Simple Steps to Make Your Chickpea Patties

Preparing these chickpea patties is straightforward and quick, making them perfect for even the busiest days. Begin by mixing your flax egg in a large bowl; simply combine ground flaxseed with filtered water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This acts as our excellent vegan binder. Next, add about half of your drained and rinsed chickpeas to the bowl. Use the back of a fork or a potato masher to thoroughly mash these chickpeas, creating a smooth, creamy base for your patties.

Once you have your mashed chickpeas, incorporate the gluten-free oats, tahini, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the bowl, mixing everything until it’s well combined. Now, add the remaining whole chickpeas along with the chopped green onion and diced green pepper. Gently smash and mix these ingredients. It’s important to only lightly mash at this stage; you want some of the chickpeas to remain whole, as these will provide that delightful, textural crunch we discussed earlier. If you prefer a more uniform, less chunky patty, you can briefly pulse the entire mixture in a food processor or blender before forming.

To cook, heat a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully for an even sear) over medium heat with a small amount of avocado oil. Form the mixture into 4-6 generous 1/3-cup sized patties. Use your hands to gently flatten them into round burger shapes. Carefully place the patties onto the hot skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and become wonderfully crispy. Don’t worry if they crumble slightly during cooking – this is perfectly normal for plant-based patties and part of their rustic charm! Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and serve immediately with a dollop of our creamy cashew mayonnaise and your favorite optional sides. You’ve just created a truly satisfying and wholesome vegan meal!

The Quality Choice: Eden Foods Organics Garbanzo Beans

The success of any chickpea patty recipe begins with the quality of its primary ingredient: the chickpeas themselves. When I develop chickpea recipes for the blog, I consistently reach for Eden Foods Organic Garbanzo Beans. There’s a good reason for this consistent choice.

Eden Foods is renowned for its commitment to purity and quality. Their organic U.S.A. family farm garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are meticulously soaked overnight and then thoroughly cooked at Eden’s certified organic and kosher cannery. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to using only purified water and absolutely zero chemical additives in their canning process. This ensures that you’re getting the cleanest, most natural product possible. I find these golden legumes to be incredibly versatile and consistently perfect for everything from one-pan meals and vibrant salads to creamy dips. An added bonus is that they are packed with no salt added and come in BPA-free lined cans, aligning perfectly with a healthy and mindful lifestyle. It’s these high-quality ingredients that truly elevate a simple recipe to something extraordinary.

The Secret Weapon: Creamy Cashew Mayonnaise

Now, let’s talk about the incredible homemade cashew mayonnaise that accompanies these patties. To be completely honest, for most of my life, I wasn’t a huge fan of traditional mayonnaise. I’d almost always opt for mustard on my sandwiches and subs. However, those nostalgic salmon patties were always the exception – the one dish where I’d happily smear a bit of mayo on my plate for dipping. This creamy cashew spread, however, is a game-changer that I believe will win over even the most ardent mayo skeptics.

This cashew mayonnaise is not only irresistibly creamy but also boasts a delightful tanginess and a subtle cheesy depth, all achieved without any eggs or dairy! It’s the perfect, healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise, offering a rich flavor and smooth texture that complements the savory chickpea patties beautifully. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a gourmet touch to any dish. Here’s a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing condiment:

• raw cashews (soaked for creaminess)
• fresh lemon juice
• apple cider vinegar
• nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• dijon mustard
• Himalayan sea salt
• filtered water (for desired consistency)
• pure maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness and balance)

With just these few ingredients, you can whip up a truly impressive and dairy-free mayonnaise that you’ll want to put on everything!

Whipping Up Your Cashew Mayonnaise

For the best experience, I highly recommend preparing your cashew mayonnaise in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures it’s perfectly chilled and ready to go when your warm chickpea patties come off the skillet. The process is incredibly simple.

First, make sure your raw cashews have been soaked in water for at least 4 to 6 hours (or overnight for optimal softness), then thoroughly drained and rinsed. This soaking step is crucial for achieving that ultra-creamy, smooth consistency without any gritty texture. Once the cashews are prepared, simply add them along with all the other mayonnaise ingredients – fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, Himalayan sea salt, filtered water, and maple syrup – into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Once blended, taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you desire a cheesier flavor, add a bit more nutritional yeast. For extra brightness and tang, squeeze in a little more lemon juice. And if you prefer a touch more sweetness to balance the flavors, a bit more maple syrup can be added. Once perfected, transfer the cashew mayonnaise to an airtight container and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. This wonderful condiment will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, ready to elevate not just these patties, but countless other dishes.

Versatile Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep Tips

These Hearty Chickpea Patties with Creamy Cashew Mayonnaise are incredibly versatile and truly shine when incorporated into your weekly meal prep routine. Imagine having a batch ready to go, waiting to transform your everyday meals into something special! Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy them:

• As a Main Dish: Serve them simply with a generous dollop of cashew mayo, alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a light yet satisfying dinner. My mom often paired them with sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, or a vibrant coleslaw during the warmer months, and those pairings are still fantastic today.
• In Salads & Bowls: Crumble them over a bed of mixed greens, grains, or roasted vegetables to add a substantial plant-based protein element. They are wonderful in Buddha bowls or as a topping for a hearty nourish bowl.
• Burgers or Wraps: Place them inside gluten-free buns with fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, and extra cashew mayo for a delicious vegan burger. Alternatively, wrap them in large lettuce leaves or tortillas with your favorite veggies.
• Mini Sliders: Form smaller patties and serve them on mini buns for appetizers or party snacks.
• With Sides: Pair them with a side of crispy oven fries, a quinoa salad, or a refreshing cucumber and dill salad.

For convenience, these chickpea patties will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, making them ideal for weekday lunches. For longer-term storage, they can also be frozen. Simply reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through and slightly crispy again. The leftover cashew mayonnaise is equally useful and will last in the fridge for up to one week. It’s fantastic for spreading on toast, adding to other sandwiches, or even as the creamy base for a delicious chickpea salad sandwich. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness these patties bring to your table!

Explore More Plant-Based Patty & Burger Recipes

If you’ve loved these chickpea patties, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of delicious plant-based patties and burgers waiting to be discovered. Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures, perfect for expanding your vegan culinary repertoire. Here are some of my other favorite plant-powered creations:

• Baked Almond Flour Falafel

• Quinoa Cakes With Oil-Free Basil Pesto

• Sweet Potato Kale Quinoa Cakes

• Smoky White Bean & Beet Burgers

• Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

• Crispy Garden Quinoa Burgers

I Want to Hear From You!

If you give this Easy Chickpea Patties with Cashew Mayonnaise recipe a try, I would absolutely love to know what you think! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious content for you.

Please be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review below. I read every single one and use your insights to refine and develop even more fantastic plant-based recipes.

Also, don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram! Use the hashtag #floraandvino to show me your beautiful culinary creations. I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens.

For more inspiration and to save recipes for later, check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find a wealth of plant-based ideas just like this one!

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XO Lauren

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