Vegan Chickpea Ceviche with Chermoula Seasoning

When you think of ceviche, images of fresh white fish marinated in lime juice, tossed with red onion, cilantro, and chili might come to mind.

But what if we told you that you could enjoy all the bright, bold, and refreshing qualities of ceviche—without any seafood, and completely plant-based?

Enter our Vegan Chickpea Ceviche, a zesty, no-cook dish that reimagines the Latin American classic through a North African lens, powered by the vibrant flavors of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning.

A Global Twist on a Classic

Ceviche is traditionally a coastal dish, originating from Peru and loved throughout Latin America.

The magic lies in the ‘cooking’ process: raw fish absorbs flavor and firms up as the citric acid in lime juice denatures the proteins.

But with growing interest in plant-based meals, chefs and home cooks alike are exploring how to replicate that tangy, fresh experience using legumes, mushrooms, or hearts of palm.

We took inspiration from the creative direction seed provided—using chickpeas as the star—but infused it with a bold Middle Eastern and North African twist by incorporating RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning.

This isn’t your average spice blend.

With its base of coriander, cumin, paprika, garlic, and herbs, it brings warmth, depth, and a subtle fiery edge that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Our version of chickpea ceviche harnesses the best of both worlds: the citrus-marinated freshness of Latin cuisine and the aromatic complexity of Moroccan and Tunisian flavors.

The result?

A protein-rich, fiber-packed dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, mezze platters, or even as a quick, healthy lunch.

Why Chickpeas Work Perfectly

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have a naturally nutty flavor and a firm yet tender texture that holds up beautifully in cold preparations.

Unlike some legumes that turn mushy, chickpeas maintain their shape, mimicking the ‘cooked’ texture of seafood in traditional ceviche.

When drained and rinsed (we recommend using canned for convenience, though soaked and cooked dry beans work too), they absorb marinades exceptionally well.

In this recipe, chickpeas soak up the tangy lime juice and the rich aroma of Chermoula Seasoning without overpowering the palate.

The seasonings infuse the beans with warmth, while the acid brightens them, creating a balance that feels both refreshing and satisfying.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Let’s break down the components of this dish and how each contributes to the final flavor profile:

• Chickpeas: The hearty base. High in plant protein and fiber, they give substance to the dish.
• RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning: This is the flavor engine. The cumin and coriander add earthy warmth, paprika brings mild sweetness and color, garlic lends a pungent kick, and the blend of herbs (likely parsley and cilantro-based) offers freshness.
• Fresh lime juice: Provides the essential acidity to ‘cure’ the chickpeas and wake up the palate. It also helps release the essential oils in the seasoning.
• Preserved lemon: A North African staple, this ingredient adds a briny, concentrated citrus punch. Only the rind is used—rinse it well to remove excess salt.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and crunch. Soaking it in lime juice for a few minutes mellows the bite.
• Cucumber: Diced and added just before serving for freshness and hydration.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a juicy pop of sweetness.
• Fresh herbs: Flat-leaf parsley and cilantro lend a green, aromatic lift.
• Olive oil: A drizzle brings richness and helps emulsify the dressing.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, with no cooking required—perfect for hot days or when you want a nutritious meal fast.

1. Start by draining and rinsing two cans of chickpeas. Pat them dry gently with a clean towel to help them absorb the marinade better.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas with the juice of 3 limes. Add 2 tablespoons of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning. Stir well to coat every bean.
3. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped preserved lemon rind (rinsed and patted dry) and 1/2 a thinly sliced red onion. Stir again, then cover and let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, fold in 1 diced English cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (a mix of parsley and cilantro works best).
5. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and season with freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust—add another squeeze of lime if needed.
6. Serve chilled, scooped into lettuce cups, over a bed of greens, or with toasted pita chips for crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chickpea ceviche shines when made ahead.

The flavors deepen as it sits, so consider preparing it the night before for an even more robust taste.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

However, add the cucumber and tomatoes only when ready to serve to maintain their crisp texture.

To prevent the salad from becoming too acidic, remove it from the marinade after 2 hours and mix in the fresh vegetables.

This ensures each bite stays balanced and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests

This dish is incredibly versatile.

Here are a few elegant ways to enjoy it:

• Mezze Platter Star: Serve alongside hummus, olives, marinated artichokes, and warm flatbread.
• Letture Wrap: Spoon into large butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb, crunchy appetizer.
• Grain Bowl Base: Top cooked quinoa or couscous with the chickpea ceviche, roasted bell peppers, and a dollop of tahini.
• Stuffed Avocados: Halve ripe avocados, remove the pits, and fill the centers with the ceviche for a creamy, rich contrast.
• Party Skewers: Thread the chickpea mixture with cherry tomatoes and cucumber cubes on small skewers for a fun, handheld canapé.

Nutritional Benefits

This vegan chickpea ceviche isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients.

Chickpeas provide over 15 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per cup, supporting digestive health and sustained energy.

The limes are rich in vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption from the beans.

Olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the vegetables add antioxidants and hydration.

It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made oil-free by omitting the olive oil—though we recommend keeping it for flavor and satiety.

Why RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning Makes the Difference

You could mix individual spices, but RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning does the work for you—perfectly balanced, time-tested, and consistent.

It captures the soul of North African cuisine in a pinch.

And by using it in a ceviche-style dish, you’re not just seasoning food—you’re building flavor from the ground up.

The blend’s unique profile brings an umami depth that plain lemon juice and salt couldn’t achieve alone.

It adds complexity without heat overload, making it accessible even for those who shy away from very spicy food.

A Nod to Tradition and Innovation

Culinary innovation often happens where cultures intersect.

Our vegan chickpea ceviche with Chermoula seasoning is a celebration of that crossroads—where Peruvian citrus techniques meet Moroccan spice wisdom, united by modern plant-based cooking.

It’s a reminder that tradition isn’t static.

We honor the past by reinterpreting it with creativity, inclusivity, and respect for diverse dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and full of global inspiration, this Vegan Chickpea Ceviche is it.

Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just curious about new flavors, this dish delivers on every level—texture, taste, nutrition, and visual appeal.

Grab a jar of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning, a few fresh ingredients, and let the marinating begin.

Your next favorite no-cook recipe is waiting.