Chickpea Salad
A wonderfully creamy and satisfying plant-based take on classic tuna salad. Mashed chickpeas are tossed with crisp celery, red onion, and fresh dill in a tangy vegan mayo dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or scooping with crackers.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the chickpeas
- b.Drain the canned chickpeas and rinse them well under cold water.
- c.Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- d.Place the chickpeas in a medium-sized bowl.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mash the chickpeas
- b.Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the chickpeas until they reach a flaky, chunky consistency.
- c.For more texture, leave about a quarter of the chickpeas whole.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine all ingredients
- b.To the bowl with the mashed chickpeas, add the vegan mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, and chopped dill.
- c.Add the dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill and serve
- b.Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- c.For best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or with your favorite crackers.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, don't over-mash the chickpeas. A mix of mashed and whole chickpeas gives a great bite.
- 2If you have time, chilling the salad for an hour really enhances the flavor.
- 3Feel free to add other ingredients like capers, sweet pickle relish, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- 4This salad is great for meal prep. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or in lettuce cups to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
low carbLow carb
To make this a low-carb meal, skip the bread and serve the chickpea salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, replace half of the vegan mayonnaise with an equal amount of unsweetened vegan yogurt or tahini.
quickQuick
To speed things up, you can pulse the chickpeas a few times in a food processor instead of mashing by hand. Be careful not to turn it into a paste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas provide a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, making this a satisfying and nourishing meal.
High in Dietary Fiber
The fiber from chickpeas and vegetables supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Minerals
Garbanzo beans are a good source of important minerals like manganese and folate, which are vital for bone health and cell function.
Cholesterol-Free
As a completely plant-based recipe using vegan mayonnaise, this salad is naturally free of dietary cholesterol, supporting heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, chickpea salad is a healthy option. Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which aids digestion and promotes fullness. Using vegan mayo makes it cholesterol-free.