Recipe

Sheet Pan Salmon with Crispy Chickpeas and Lemon Tahini

A creative, healthy dinner that feels restaurant-level but cooks on one pan: roasted salmon, crispy chickpeas, and broccoli with a bright lemon tahini drizzle.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A real photograph of roasted salmon fillets on a sheet pan with crispy chickpeas and broccoli, finished with a drizzle of lemon tahini sauce

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknight brain wants something wholesome but your taste buds want something exciting, this is the move. We are doing sheet pan salmon with crispy chickpeas and broccoli, then hitting the whole thing with a lemon tahini sauce that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

The best part is the contrast. You get tender salmon, crunchy chickpeas, broccoli with those caramelized edges, and a sauce that is bright, nutty, and just salty enough to make you pause mid-bite and go back in for another forkful. It is healthy and wholesome, but still has personality.

A real photograph of a spoon drizzling lemon tahini sauce over a roasted salmon fillet with broccoli on a plate

Why It Works

Big flavor with minimal drama: Everything roasts together, and the sauce comes together in one bowl.
Crispy texture without frying: Chickpeas roast into crunchy little flavor bombs (and you have a built-in plan if they need extra time).
Balanced and filling: Protein from salmon and chickpeas, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from tahini.
Flexible: Swap broccoli for cauliflower or green beans, and salmon for chicken thighs or tofu.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Store: Cool leftovers promptly, then keep salmon, chickpeas, and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the lemon tahini sauce separately for best texture.

Reheat: For the crispiest chickpeas, reheat everything on a sheet pan at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Microwave works for speed, but the chickpeas will soften.

Meal prep tip: Make a double batch of sauce. It is excellent on grain bowls, wraps, roasted sweet potatoes, and even as a salad dressing when thinned with extra water.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it first for the most even cooking. Pat it very dry before seasoning so it roasts instead of steaming.

How do I make chickpeas actually crispy?

Dry them like you mean it. Rinse, drain, then pat thoroughly with a towel. Also, do not crowd the pan. Space equals crunch. If the salmon is done before the chickpeas are crunchy, pull the salmon off to rest and keep roasting the chickpeas and broccoli for 5 to 10 minutes.

Is tahini sauce bitter?

It can be if it is not balanced. The fix is simple: lemon for brightness, a little honey for roundness, and enough salt. If it still tastes intense, whisk in a splash more water and another small squeeze of lemon.

What can I use instead of tahini?

Sunflower seed butter is the closest vibe. Plain Greek yogurt also works for a tangy, high-protein sauce. Thin it with lemon juice and a bit of olive oil.

Can I make this dairy-free and gluten-free?

It is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written. Just make sure your spices and tahini are certified if needed.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Rimmed sheet pan
Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Mixing bowl (for sauce)
Medium bowl (for broccoli)
Small bowl (for chickpea seasoning)
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)

I love a dinner that looks like it came from a place with low lighting and a playlist, but was actually made while I was half-listening to a podcast and cleaning as I go. This recipe started as one of those “I wonder if…” moments when I wanted crispy chickpeas like a snack, but also wanted a real meal. Add salmon for quick protein, broccoli for the charred edges, and that lemon tahini sauce for the “okay wow” factor, and suddenly it became a repeat. It is the kind of wholesome dinner that still feels like a treat, which is basically my favorite category of food.