Welcome to the world of delightful plant-based cuisine! This recipe presents a captivating Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas that entices with fresh and vibrant flavors. Perfect for vegans and health-conscious eaters, it combines chickpeas, zesty lemon, creamy vegan mayo, celery, and red onions for a satisfying crunch.
Optional flavor boosters like dill pickles and capers add an extra layer of excitement. Served on your favorite bread with tomatoes and greens. This plant based Tuna Salad Sandwich promises a wholesome and delicious experience. If you’re seeking more plant-based sandwiches and wraps, feel free to browse my complete collection of Vegan Wraps Sandwich Recipes here.
If you’re seeking more plant-based chickpea recipes, feel free to browse my complete collection of vegan chickpea recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas recipe is a delightful plant-based dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. In this recipe, canned chickpeas serve as the main ingredient, offering a satisfying base for the salad. The chickpeas are mashed to your desired consistency, creating a tuna-like texture. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty and refreshing tang, brightening up the salad. To achieve the desired creaminess, vegan mayo is mixed in, providing a luscious mouthfeel.
For added crunch and complexity, finely chopped celery and red onions are incorporated into the mix. These vegetables not only provide a pleasant texture but also contribute their distinct flavors to the overall taste. The use of Old Bay seasoning gives the salad a subtle hint of the ocean, reminiscent of traditional tuna salad.
While the base ingredients form the heart of the recipe, there are optional flavor boosters that elevate the dish to new heights. Chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and capers (or finely chopped nori sheet) introduce additional layers of taste and brininess, akin to the essence of the sea.
Served on your preferred bread, this Vegan Tuna Salad can be enjoyed as a classic sandwich. Alternatively, you can explore different serving options, such as wrapping it in a tortilla. You can stuff it into a pita pocket, or even presenting it as a dip with crackers. Topped with sliced tomatoes and leafy greens or sprouts, the sandwich gains extra freshness and visual appeal.
With this versatile and mouthwatering recipe, you have the freedom to customize the Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to explore plant-based options, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Helpful Tools
- Medium Mixing Bowl: A sturdy and medium-sized mixing bowl is essential for mashing the chickpeas. And for combining all the flavorful ingredients together. Opt for one that is easy to handle and clean.
- Measuring Spoons: While the recipe doesn’t specify quantities, having a set of measuring spoons on hand can still be useful for approximate measurements, especially for the lemon juice and vegan mayo.
- Chopping Board and Knife: For chopping the celery, red onion, and any additional flavor boosters like dill pickles or fresh dill, a good quality chopping board and sharp knife are indispensable.
- Spatula or Spoon: A spatula or large spoon will help you gently mix and combine the ingredients without smashing them, ensuring your salad stays fluffy and full of flavor.
- Serving Options: Depending on your preference, consider having lettuce leaves or your favorite bread, crackers, or wraps ready for serving.
How to Make this Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and adding the rinsed and drained chickpeas to it. Mash the chickpeas with a fork until they reach your desired consistency.
Next, mix in the vegan mayo, lemon juice, finely chopped celery, red onion, old bay seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra burst of taste, consider adding any of the optional flavor boosters, like chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, or capers (or finely chopped nori sheet).
Now, gently combine all the ingredients in the bowl. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for a perfect blend of flavors.
Once the Vegan Tuna Salad is ready, it’s time to serve. You have various options: serve it on a lettuce wrap, between slices of toasted bread, on crackers, or in a wrap. The choice is yours!
For an added touch, top your creation with sliced tomatoes and fresh leafy greens or sprouts. This not only makes the sandwich look more appealing but also adds extra freshness and nutrients.
Tips & Tricks
- Adjust Texture: Customize the texture of your salad by mashing the chickpeas to your desired consistency. Leave some whole chickpeas for added texture or mash thoroughly for a smoother salad.
- Experiment with Flavor Boosters: Don’t hesitate to try the optional flavor boosters like chopped dill pickle, fresh dill, and capers (or nori sheet). They add fantastic taste and a hint of brininess to the salad.
- Add Crunchy Elements: Enhance the crunch by tossing in chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, or diced cucumber. These additions elevate the salad’s texture and taste.
- Allow for Marinating Time: For even better flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Get Creative with Serving: Enjoy the salad on a bed of fresh greens, in a tortilla wrap, or stuffed into a pita pocket, besides the suggested bread.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Elevate the presentation with garnishes like a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika on top of the sandwich. It adds a simple touch to make the dish visually appealing.
FAQ: Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Vegan Tuna Salad can last for up to 3-4 days. It’s a great option for meal prepping or making ahead for quick lunches during the week.
Yes, the Vegan Tuna Salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to choose gluten-free bread or serve it in a lettuce wrap or gluten-free tortilla if you are sensitive to gluten.
Absolutely! If you prefer an oil-free version, you can omit the vegan mayo and use hummus or tahini instead. These alternatives provide creaminess without added oil.
To make it nut-free, simply avoid adding any nuts or seeds for crunch, and skip using nut-based products in place of vegan mayo. Stick to tahini or hummus as a creamy substitute.
Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 19oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice (juice of ½ a lemon)
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo (sub hummus or tahini if desired)
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 2-3 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp old bay seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Flavour Boosters (Highly Recommend!)
- 1 large chopped dill pickle
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp capers (or 1/2 a nori sheet finely chopped)
To Serve
- 6 slices bread of choice
- 1 tomato, sliced
- leafy greens or sprouts
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the chickpeas and mash them with a fork until you have your desired consistency.
- Next, add in the vegan mayo, lemon juice, celery, onion, old bay seasoning, salt and pepper. Add in an flavour boosters at this point also. Mix gently to combine.
- Serve on a lettuce wrap, on toasted bread, on crackers or in a wrap. Top with tomato and fresh greens and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
This Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich with Chickpeas is a delightful and satisfying plant-based alternative to the classic tuna salad. With its medley of flavors and textures, this dish offers a fresh and vibrant experience for both vegans and those seeking healthier options.
The combination of chickpeas, zesty lemon, creamy vegan mayo, and crunchy vegetables creates a harmonious blend that will leave you coming back for more. Whether served on your favorite bread or in other creative ways, this recipe promises a delightful and compassionate culinary adventure. Happy cooking!
Another amazing recipe! Loving all your chickpea recipes, I’m not vegan but have been trying to include more plant based meals and I’m so happy I found your site. Always so delicious
Hi Amy, thanks so much for trying all my chickpea recipes, so happy you are loving them and more coming all the time!
The filling for this is soo delicious. Great work essy! I loved this recipe. I made a sandwich and used the leftovers as a salad 😊
Thank you so much Kaylee!
Wow this was nice actually tasted like a “tuna” like flavor. I have been eating more plant based recipes lately and really loving everything you are posting.
Thanks Avery!
This tuna chickpea sandwich was Soooooo good!!! 😊
I’m delighted you enjoyed it! Thank you for the glowing review!