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Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Recipe

4.7 from 374 reviews

A flavorful and satisfying Chickpea “Tuna” Salad that mimics the classic tuna salad using mashed chickpeas, vegan mayonnaise, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick sandwich filling, this plant-based recipe is both easy to make and delicious, layered with crunchy celery, tangy dill, and fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

Chickpea Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (from 1 15-oz can), drained and rinsed
  • 3 Tbsp. vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped dill
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • Sliced bread
  • Butter lettuce
  • Dill or bread-and-butter pickles
  • 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 a few chickpeas whole adds texture, so aim for a chunky consistency.
  2. Combine ingredients: Add the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, red onion, and freshly chopped dill to the mashed chickpeas. Stir everything gently until well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay slices of bread flat and top with a leaf or two of butter lettuce. Spread a generous amount of the chickpea salad on the lettuce, then add sliced dill or bread-and-butter pickles and sliced tomatoes. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra protein, add some cooked quinoa or edamame to the chickpea mixture.
  • Try swapping vegan mayonnaise with regular mayonnaise if you are not vegan.
  • Adjust the level of mustard to your taste for more tanginess.
  • This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
  • Try serving the chickpea salad in lettuce wraps instead of bread for a gluten-free option.

Keywords: chickpea salad, vegan tuna salad, plant-based sandwich, vegan lunch, easy chickpea recipe, no-cook salad