Creative Lunch Ideas With Chickpeas for Toddlers

Chickpeas are considered a superfood for both kids and adults, and are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber and calcium. Among other nutritional benefits, chickpeas help regulate blood sugar levels and are a great finger food for toddlers working on their fine motor skills.

  1. Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad

    • An easy lunch to prepare in advance is chickpea and brown rice salad. Cook up a batch of brown rice, and dip into it throughout the week, adding chopped up corn, carrots or tomatoes. If your toddler enjoys salad dressings, the cook can add a bit of Italian dressing.

    Roasted Chickpeas

    • Roasted chickpeas are great for a toddler who likes crunchy foods. Although roasted chickpeas are generally considered a snack, adding whole grains -- such as wheat bread -- makes it into a whole protein meal. Roasted chickpeas can take on many flavors by adding ingredients like cinnamon or Parmesan cheese.

    Chickpea and Tuna Salad

    • Toddlers who enjoy fish might like a chickpea and tuna salad. Quick and easy to prepare, simply mix together pureed chickpeas, canned light tuna and some natural yogurt. If desired, dill weed can also be added for flavor. This meal provides plenty of protein.

    Chickpea and Cucumber Salad

    • This salad has a distinct Mediterranean flavor. Combining chickpeas with cucumbers and feta cheese creates a toddler-friendly salad with a fresh taste. Parents can serve this salad with hummus for a complete, healthy meal for their little one.

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