Makes enough for 4 sandwiches
Total time: 10 minutes || Active time: 10 minutes

Vegan chickpea salad sandwiches that taste like tuna fish

This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is the easiest lunch you’ll ever make, and it tastes like the tuna salad of your childhood, but better.

“Um, Isa?”

“Yes, Internet?”

“Do you think we’re stupid?”

“What?”

“Don’t.”

“What???!”

“Let’s not play this game. Just write your childish Chickpea Salad post, as difficult as we’re sure it will be, and then  maybe we can move on to matters that require a little more brainpower. Like, I don’t know, tying our shoes, or a game of tic-tac-toe, or I know, let’s count to ten*!”

OK, I get it. Why don’t I just put up a recipe for Peanut Butter And Jelly. But, listen.

Not everybody knows! Not EVERYBODY knows that you can mash chickpeas up to make chickpea tuna, and it is fanfreakintabulous. You can throw it on some whole wheat bread with tomato and lettuce and it will taste like childhood, but better. Most people, yes, but not everybody knows. And so I’m here to spread the word. Not to you. Of course YOU are brilliant and you’ve known this forever and maybe you even invented it you’re so freaking smart. But this is for the lost souls in the far corners of the internet. If you don’t know, now you know.

*OMG why is the internet so mean??!

VEGAN CHICKPEA SALAD SANDWICH FAQ

Can I make this in a food processor? Yes! Process the chickpeas first into a chunky mash — do NOT puree, this isn’t hummus. Transfer to a bowl. Then process the carrots and celery into small pieces, add to the bowl, and mix everything together.

Can I make it without mayo? Tahini dressing works beautifully here. Mashed avocado is another good option. You could also use vegan yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice.

How do I make it taste more like tuna? Add some crumbled dried seaweed (nori works great) and a pinch of kelp powder if you have it. A squeeze of lemon juice helps too.

Can I add curry powder? Yes! Add a tablespoon of curry powder and throw in some halved red grapes. It makes a fantastic curried chickpea salad.

I hate celery. What can I use instead? Cucumber works well and keeps that crunch. You could also use diced bell pepper or just leave it out entirely.

Can I use dried chickpeas? Sure, just cook them first. One 15 oz can (drained) equals about 1½ cups cooked chickpeas.

How long does this keep? The chickpea salad (without bread) keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Don’t assemble the sandwiches until you’re ready to eat or the bread gets soggy.

What else can I do with this? Pile it on crackers, stuff it in a pita, scoop it with romaine leaves, or just eat it straight out of the bowl with a fork. It’s also great on top of a green salad.

 

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

The easiest vegan lunch: mashed chickpeas with mayo, carrots, celery, and onion flakes. Ready in 10 minutes, no cooking required.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (a 15 oz can rinsed and drained)
  • 1/4 cup vegan mayo homemade or storebought
  • 1 pc medium carrot peeled and very finely chopped (almost minced)
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons onion flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the sammiches:

  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Extra mayo for a’spreadin

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, use an avocado masher or a strong fork to mash the chickpeas well. They should retain some of their texture and not appear pureed. A few whole ones left are ok.
  • Mix in the mayo and give a few more mashes. Mix in the carrot, celery and onion flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Assemble into sandwiches, toasted or not, and serve sliced in half.
Keyword Chickpea, Lunch
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