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Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Recipe

4.9 from 789 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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