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!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.

Step 2

Using a fork or potato masher, mash the chickpeas until they are mostly broken down but still retain some texture.

Step 3

Add the vegan mayonnaise, chopped dill pickle, red onion, and celery to the bowl.

Step 4

Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and shredded nori sheet (if using).

Step 5

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and mix everything thoroughly until combined.

Step 6

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice, mustard, or salt if desired.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(561.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	873.7

Total Fat 24.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.0g
Cholesterol 13.5mg	0%
Sodium 2712.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.9g	0%
Total Sugars 25.8g
Protein 40.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225.5mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 1355.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.0%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 58.1%