Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Chickpea “Tuna” Salad is a delicious and healthy plant-based alternative to traditional tuna salad. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for sandwiches or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (from 1 15-oz can), drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sliced bread
- Butter lettuce
- Dill or bread and butter pickles
- Sliced tomatoes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas into irregular sized pieces. A few whole chickpeas left are okay for texture.
- Step 2: Add vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, red onion, and fresh dill to the bowl. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Step 3: Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then mix again.
- Step 4: Assemble your sandwiches by spreading the chickpea salad on sliced bread and topping with butter lettuce, pickles, and sliced tomatoes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Try using whole grain or sourdough bread for a heartier sandwich.
- Mix in chopped capers or green olives to give the salad a briny punch.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more vegan mayonnaise or a splash of olive oil.
Storage
Store the chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best when served cold. If needed, give it a good stir before serving. Avoid storing the salad on bread to prevent sogginess; assemble sandwiches just before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas as long as you soak and cook them until tender before mashing. Canned chickpeas are just a convenient shortcut.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The chickpea salad itself is gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free bread if you need the whole sandwich to be gluten-free.
PrintChickpea “Tuna” Salad Recipe
This Chickpea “Tuna” Salad is a delicious vegan alternative to traditional tuna salad, made with mashed chickpeas and a flavorful blend of vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for sandwiches, it’s a quick and easy plant-based lunch option that combines creamy texture with fresh and tangy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (from 1 15-oz can), drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sandwich Ingredients
- Sliced bread
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Dill or bread and butter pickles, sliced
- Sliced tomatoes
Instructions
- Mash the chickpeas: In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas into irregular sized pieces. Leaving some whole adds texture and mimics the flakiness of tuna.
- Mix the salad: Add the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, red onion, and freshly chopped dill to the mashed chickpeas. Stir well to combine evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Layer the chickpea salad on slices of bread. Top with butter lettuce leaves, sliced pickles, and fresh sliced tomatoes for a crunchy, tangy finish. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Use vegan mayonnaise to keep the recipe plant-based.
- For extra zing, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika if desired.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Consider serving with whole grain or gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
Keywords: chickpea salad, vegan tuna salad, plant-based sandwich, easy lunch recipe, vegan mayo salad
