Better Than Tuna Chickpea Salad
Transform your lunchtime routine with this vibrant and satisfying Better Than Tuna Chickpea Salad, a vegan twist on the classic tuna salad that's bursting with flavor and effortless to prepare in just 15 minutes. Made with protein-packed chickpeas, creamy vegan mayonnaise, zesty dill pickles, and crunchy celery, this plant-based recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh. A touch of Dijon mustard and a hint of optional shredded nori give it a subtle "sea" flavor reminiscent of traditional tuna, while paprika adds a pop of color and extra zest. Serve it as a hearty sandwich filling, a wrap, or atop crisp greens for a wholesome meal that’s perfect for lunch or meal prep. Packed with fiber and flavor, this no-cook chickpea salad is as nutritious as it is delicious—ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking an innovative, crowd-pleasing alternative to tuna salad!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 0.25 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 0.5 sheet nori sheet, finely shredded (optional, for a hint of 'sea' flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
Using a fork or potato masher, mash the chickpeas until they are mostly broken down but still retain some texture.
Add the vegan mayonnaise, chopped dill pickle, red onion, and celery to the bowl.
Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and shredded nori sheet (if using).
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix everything thoroughly until combined.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice, mustard, or salt if desired.
Serve immediately as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of greens. For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika before serving.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
137 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.9 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 634 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 39 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 215 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
