Chili Lime Chickpea Wrap

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Roasted chickpeas and cauliflower get a zesty kick from chili and lime, wrapped up with quick-pickled onions and a creamy chipotle sauce. This sheet pan meal turns simple ingredients into a satisfying lunch.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:16:38 GMT
A close-up of a wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onion, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, served on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of a wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onion, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, served on a plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my absolute favorite lunch recipe that I created during my busy work-from-home days. These Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wraps have become my go-to meal when I want something filling flavorful and packed with veggies. The combination of crispy spiced chickpeas and roasted cauliflower wrapped up with that creamy chipotle lime sauce is simply incredible.

You're Going to Love This

I'm so excited to share this wrap recipe because it's truly transformed my lunch game. Even my veggie-hesitant friends ask for seconds. It's budget-friendly totally customizable and honestly tastes better than takeout. Plus the sheet pan cooking method means minimal cleanup.

Everything You Need

  • Chickpeas: These get amazingly crispy in the oven.
  • Cauliflower: Trust me it becomes incredibly flavorful when roasted.
  • Onions: I quick-pickle these for extra zip.
  • Lime: Adds that perfect bright note.
  • Chipotle Peppers: The secret to our amazing sauce.
  • Yogurt: Makes the creamiest dressing.
  • Seasonings: My perfect blend for maximum flavor.

Let's Start Roasting

First thing I do is dry those chickpeas really well the secret to getting them super crispy. I toss them with olive oil and salt then pop them in a hot oven. While they're getting golden I cut up my cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and get them ready for roasting too. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing.

The Magic Sauce

While everything's roasting let's make our sauce. I blend together tangy yogurt smoky chipotle peppers fresh lime juice and my special blend of seasonings. Sometimes I make extra because it's so good on everything.

A close-up of a delicious taco filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, fresh cilantro, red onions, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Pin it
A close-up of a delicious taco filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, fresh cilantro, red onions, and a creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. | recipesbyclare.com

Putting It All Together

Now comes the fun part. I warm up my pita bread (sometimes I give it a quick char on the stove) spread on that amazing sauce then layer in the crispy chickpeas roasted cauliflower and those tangy pickled onions. It's like building your own little masterpiece.

My Best Tips

Here's what I've learned from making these countless times. Make sure your cauliflower pieces are all similar size so they cook evenly. Give those onions a quick soak in cold water before pickling it takes away the bite. And don't skip drying the chickpeas it really matters.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in different beans or add roasted sweet potatoes. The base recipe is so flexible you can really play around with it. Lately I've been adding avocado slices and it takes these wraps to a whole new level.

Meal Prep Magic

This has become my Sunday meal prep staple. I roast double batches of chickpeas and cauliflower make extra sauce and store everything separately. Then I can quickly assemble fresh wraps all week long.

Power It Up

Need more protein? I love adding crumbled tempeh or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Sometimes I'll mix quinoa into the filling too. It's so easy to make these wraps extra filling.

A close-up of a vegetarian taco filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh cilantro, drizzled with a pink sauce, served on a toasted flatbread. Pin it
A close-up of a vegetarian taco filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh cilantro, drizzled with a pink sauce, served on a toasted flatbread. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect for Packed Lunches

These wraps travel beautifully. I wrap them tightly in parchment paper then foil and they're perfect by lunchtime. My coworkers always ask what smells so good when I heat mine up.

Bowl It Up

Not feeling like a wrap? Turn this into a bowl instead. I often serve everything over quinoa or brown rice with extra sauce drizzled on top. It's just as delicious and totally satisfying.

Converting the Skeptics

Even my friends who "don't like cauliflower" love these wraps. The combination of textures and that creamy spicy sauce wins everyone over. It's become my secret weapon for getting people excited about vegetables.

Spice It Your Way

Feel free to play with the heat level. Sometimes I add extra chipotle peppers when I want more kick or tone it down when serving kids. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds nice depth too.

Budget Friendly

One thing I love about this recipe is how affordable it is. Chickpeas and cauliflower are such budget-friendly ingredients but they transform into something that tastes totally gourmet.

A close-up of a tortilla wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onions, and drizzled with a sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A close-up of a tortilla wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onions, and drizzled with a sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Great for Groups

When I'm hosting friends I'll set up a little wrap bar with all the components. Everyone loves building their own and it's such a fun way to serve lunch or casual dinner.

Make It Gluten Free

No pita? No problem. These are amazing in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice. The filling is so flavorful it works with any base you prefer.

Healthy and Satisfying

What I love most is how this wrap fills you up without weighing you down. It's packed with fiber protein and healthy fats plus loads of vegetables. It's feel-good food that actually tastes amazing.

Quick Clean Up

The sheet pan cooking method means minimal dishes to wash. I line my pans with parchment paper so cleanup is even easier. More time enjoying your meal less time cleaning up.

Keep Exploring

Once you master this recipe try changing up the spices or vegetables. It's become such a foundation recipe in my kitchen and I love seeing how others make it their own. Share your versions with me I'd love to see what you create.

A close-up of a delicious wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onions, and topped with a creamy sauce and fresh cilantro. Pin it
A close-up of a delicious wrap filled with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, red onions, and topped with a creamy sauce and fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make components ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the chickpeas and cauliflower, make the pickled onions, and prepare the sauce ahead. Store separately in the fridge and assemble wraps when ready to eat.
→ Why soak the onions in water?
Soaking raw onions in cold water for 10 minutes helps remove their sharp bite and creates a mellower flavor. This step is optional but helpful if you find raw onions too strong.
→ Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, you can swap the chipotle sauce for tahini sauce, herb sauce, or your favorite store-bought sauce. The recipe is versatile and works with many different flavors.
→ How do I keep the chickpeas crispy?
Make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before roasting and spread them in a single layer. Adding seasonings after initial roasting helps maintain their crispiness.
→ What's the best way to roast cauliflower?
Place cauliflower pieces cut-side down on the baking sheet. This creates better contact with the pan surface, resulting in better browning and caramelization.

Chili Lime Chickpea Wrap

Sheet pan roasted chickpeas and cauliflower wrapped with pickled onions and creamy chipotle sauce. A fresh and filling vegan lunch option.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (3-4 wraps)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced.
02 2 cloves garlic, grated.
03 1 lime, zested and juiced.
04 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar.
05 1 teaspoon maple syrup for onions.
06 ½ cup fresh cilantro, divided.
07 1 small cauliflower head, cut in 1-inch pieces.
08 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained.
09 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
10 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
11 1 teaspoon onion powder.
12 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
13 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo.
14 ½ cup plain vegan yogurt.
15 2 tablespoons vegan mayo.
16 2 teaspoons maple syrup for sauce.
17 3-4 pitas or wraps.
18 Lettuce leaves.
19 Avocado oil for roasting.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix sliced onions with garlic, lime, vinegar, maple syrup, cilantro and salt, then chill.

Step 02

Dry chickpeas well, toss with oil and salt, spread on a baking tray.

Step 03

Bake chickpeas at 425°F for 20 minutes on top rack.

Step 04

Cool slightly, add garlic powder and coriander, then bake 10 more minutes until crispy.

Step 05

Toss cauliflower with remaining seasonings and oil on separate tray.

Step 06

Bake cut-side down for 20 minutes, toss, then 10-15 minutes more until brown.

Step 07

Blend chipotles, yogurt, mayo, lime, maple syrup, garlic and cilantro until smooth.

Step 08

Mix roasted chickpeas and cauliflower, coat with some sauce.

Step 09

Layer warm pita with sauce, lettuce, chickpea mix and pickled onions.

Notes

  1. Soak onions in cold water to mellow flavor.
  2. Place cauliflower cut-side down for better browning.
  3. Can use tahini instead of yogurt.
  4. Pick thin-skinned limes for more juice.

Tools You'll Need

  • 2 Baking sheets.
  • Blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy (if using certain vegan products).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 10 g