Smoky Vegan Chickpea Salad (Chickpea 'Tuna' Salad)

This smoky chickpea salad is a vegan-friendly take on traditional tuna salad. Crunchy celery, smoky spices and a splash of lemon brighten up this recipe and give a similar taste and texture to tuna salad. This recipe is also filled with plant protein and fibre and makes a satisfying lunch option any day of the week.

This recipe post has been updated to include additional helpful information, tips and serving suggestions.

Jump to:

• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients and Notes
• Step by Step Instructions
• Helpful Tips
• Additional Serving Suggestions
• More Recipes
• Smoky Vegan Chickpea Salad (Chickpea Tuna Salad)

Why this recipe works

When cooked chickpeas are roughly processed, they mimic the same texture as tuna. Combine them with olive oil, crunchy vegetables and a hint of smoky flavour, they take on a creamy, blended texture that works so well in sandwiches, salads or on crackers, much like tuna salad.

This recipe is easy to make and can also be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge. If you want a healthy lunch option that's vegan friendly and also contains a good amount of plant protein and fibre, this recipe ticks those boxes as well.

Ingredients and Notes

For the full list of ingredients and amounts, please see the recipe card.

Cooked chickpeas: canned or cooked from dried will work here.

Extra Virgin Olive oil: adds body, flavour and richness to the chickpe salad. Alternatively, use vegan mayonnaise or plain dairy-free yogurt.

Dijon mustard: provided bite, salinity and tang. Use any tangy mustard variety you prefer.

Ground cumin: adds a smoky depth of flavour to this recipe.

Smoked paprika: adds a bold smoky undertone to this recipe.

Fresh lemon juice: brightens and enhances the flavours in this recipe. Alternatively use apple cider, malt or red wine vinegar in equal measure.

Celery: the crunch and natural salinity of celery is a perfect accompaniment for chickpea salad. Alternatively, you can try finely diced pickles or capers.

Scallions: these add a gentle herbacious heat and additional cruch to the chickpea salad. If you can't find scallions, use chives.

For assembling a sandwich you will also need:

Toasted bread: I use a sprouted whole grain bread, but please use whichever bread you prefer. Toasting adds a welcome texture against the chickpea salad.

Tender greens: such as spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. Alternatively, use whichever lettuce or green you prefer.

Avocado: a welcome addition to any sandwich, in my opinion. Feel free to omit this if you wish or add any of the serving suggestions in this post.

Step by Step Instructions

For the full detailed instructions on how to make this smoky chickpea salad sandwich, please see the recipe card.

STEP 1: In a food processor, pulse the cooked chickpeas until they resemble a coarse, crumbly texture (see photo).

STEP 2: Spoon the chickpeas into a medium sized bowl and add the rest of the ingredients, stirring until well combined.

STEP 3: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

STEP 4: Layer some greens on a slice of toasted bread.

STEP 5: Add several heapings of chickpea salad

STEP 6: Top with avocado slices and additional salt and pepper if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Don't over-process: you want the chickpeas to be roughly processed. Over processing will give you something more like dry hummus. Keep the pieces in varying sizes, with some larger and smaller ones to mimic the right texture.
• Crunch is key: if you don;t want to use celery, use cucumber or another crunchy vegetable to offset the texture of the mashed chickpeas.
• Pair with Fats: traditional tuna salad is typically heavy with mayonnaise. For this recipe, olive oil provides richness and body; however, you can certainly use regular or vegan mayonnaise. Avocado also makes a good sandwich accompaniment.
• Toast the bread: this adds a welcome texture and additional flavour to the sandwich

Additional Serving Suggestions

My smoky chickpea salad can be served with any of the following additional toppings or variations:

• with additional mustard or mayonnaise on the toasted bread
• with fresh tomato and romaine lettuce (instead of baby greens)
• with finely chopped fresh parsley or dill on top
• add a few thin slices of cucumbers
• capers or pickles
• finely diced red onion instead of scallions for additional heat
• a drizzle of additional extra virgin olive oil on top
• served as a salad topper
• add it to pita bread or crackers

More Recipes

If you love my smoky vegan chickpea salad, try my other sandwich and lunch recipes:

Green Goddess Sandwich with Creamy Herb Mayo

Easy Garlic and Herb Focaccia Bread

Baked Falafel & Garlic Sunflower Dip

If you made my Smoky Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich please leave me a comment below with a star rating; it really helps others who are interested in making the recipe. For more from The Simple Green, follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Consider becoming a subscriber to receive emails of new recipes and posts.