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Golden chickpea patties with lemon zest served with creamy yogurt sauce and fresh herbs on a plate.

Ultimate Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce | Crispy Vegan Patties with Mediterranean Flavor

These Ultimate Lemon Chickpea Patties with Yogurt Sauce are bursting with bright citrus flavor, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients. Made with mashed chickpeas, lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, they’re pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a cool, creamy yogurt sauce infused with dill and cucumber. Perfect for meatless meals, wraps, bowls, or appetizers, these patties are high in protein, easy to make, and full of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Gluten-Free (with substitutions), Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Servings 4 (6–8 patties)
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small bowl (for sauce)

Ingredients
  

For the Patties:

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for pan-frying

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped dill or mint
  • Salt to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • Chopped scallions
  • Crumbled feta
  • Chili flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Mash chickpeas in a bowl until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
  • Add egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest and juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Chill mixture for 10 minutes to firm up.
  • Shape into 6–8 small patties.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  • Make yogurt sauce: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, dill or mint, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt sauce.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve in pita with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber; pair with tabbouleh or couscous salad; top with pickled onions or roasted red peppers.
  • Make-Ahead: Store cooked patties in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze uncooked patties between parchment layers.
  • Reheating: Warm in skillet or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Yogurt Sauce: Keeps for 3–4 days refrigerated. Refresh with lemon juice before serving.
  • Nutrition Boost: High in plant-based protein, fiber, and probiotics. Use low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
  • Common Mistakes: Avoid over-mashing chickpeas, skipping the binder, overcrowding the skillet, or using too much oil.
Keyword Chickpea patties, Gluten-Free, Lemon, meatless, Mediterranean, quick meal, vegetarian, yogurt sauce