Description
Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs with Yogurt Ranch are a healthier, plant-based twist on a comfort food favorite. Packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and creamy ranch for dipping, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, party snacks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Yogurt Ranch Dressing:
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% fat)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buffalo Chickpea Meatballs:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and dried
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth.
- Chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the meatballs.
- Prepare the Chickpea Mixture
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, breadcrumbs, eggs, buffalo sauce, parsley, and smoked paprika.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth but slightly textured. The mixture should hold together when shaped.
- Shape the Meatballs
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 12–14 equal-sized portions.
- Roll each portion into a golf ball-sized meatball with your hands.
- Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the Meatballs
- Arrange the cooked meatballs on a serving plate and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and chopped chives, if desired.
- Serve warm with the chilled yogurt ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For firmer meatballs: Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Alternative cooking methods: Bake the meatballs at 375°F for 20 minutes or cook them in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American