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Best Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe | Easy & Healthy Vegan

This chickpea tuna salad is a healthy and satisfying plant-based alternative to traditional tuna salad. Made with simple, everyday ingredients, it’s quick to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and can be easily customized to suit different tastes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this versatile salad can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip with veggie sticks.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup vegan mayo (or hummus for a lighter option)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for an omega-3 boost)
  • ¼ sheet nori or 1 teaspoon dulse flakes (for a sea-like flavor)
  • Pickle relish, for added tang
  • Cayenne pepper, for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Mash the Chickpeas  

– Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place them in a medium bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash about 75% of the chickpeas, leaving some whole for texture.

 

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning  

– Add the chopped red onion and celery to the bowl. Stir in the vegan mayo (or hummus), lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

 

Step 3: Customize with Add-ins  

– If you want a more seafood-like flavor, add crushed nori or dulse flakes. For added nutrition, sprinkle in chia seeds. Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or garlic powder, if desired.

 

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency  

– If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or more lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.

Notes

  • You can easily replace vegan mayo with mashed avocado for a heart-healthy variation.
  • For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
  • Author: Billie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: No-Cook
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chickpea Tuna Salad, Vegan Tuna Salad, Plant-Based Salad, Easy Vegan Recipes, Gluten-Free Vegan Salad, High Protein Vegan Meal