Chickpea Tuna Salad

Featured in: Everyday Joyful Meals

This vibrant dish combines mashed chickpeas with seaweed flakes, diced vegetables, and a tangy dressing blending vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The mix offers a fresh, ocean-inspired flavor profile ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or atop greens. Quick to prepare and full of texture, it can be customized with extra crunch or smoky notes, making it a perfect light main dish or salad component. This dairy- and nut-free option satisfies those seeking plant-based variety with minimal effort.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:53:00 GMT
Creamy Chickpea Tuna Salad, a plant-based delight perfect for lunchtime sandwiches and wraps. Pin It
Creamy Chickpea Tuna Salad, a plant-based delight perfect for lunchtime sandwiches and wraps. | platefullyjoy.com

A vibrant, plant-based twist on classic tuna salad, featuring mashed chickpeas and a touch of seaweed for an authentic ocean flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

The first time I made this salad, my family was skeptical about the idea of chickpeas standing in for tuna, but one bite won everyone over. Now, it's our go-to for fast vegan sandwiches.

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Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 cups (1 can, 400 g), drained and rinsed
  • Seaweed flakes: 2 tablespoons (such as dulse or nori), crumbled
  • Celery stalk: 1, finely diced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, finely diced
  • Dill pickle: 1 small, finely diced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
  • Vegan mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Capers: 1 teaspoon, drained and chopped
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

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Instructions

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Mash chickpeas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still a bit chunky.
Mix in veggies & seaweed:
Add the seaweed flakes, celery, red onion, pickle, and parsley (if using). Mix well.
Prepare dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine salad:
Add the dressing to the chickpea mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately on sandwiches, wraps, or over salad greens, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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We love making this salad together for lunch, especially when we want something quick but flavorful. It's become a staple during busy weekends.

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Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, potato masher or fork, small bowl, knife and cutting board, spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains soy (if using soy-based vegan mayonnaise), and mustard. May contain gluten if served on regular breadβ€”check seaweed for cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 7 g

Freshly made Chickpea Tuna Salad, featuring crunchy celery and a flavorful vegan mayonnaise dressing. Pin It
Freshly made Chickpea Tuna Salad, featuring crunchy celery and a flavorful vegan mayonnaise dressing. | platefullyjoy.com
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy this chickpea tuna salad as a versatile filling for wraps or sandwiches. It keeps well in the fridge for easy meals all week.

Recipe FAQs

β†’ What gives this dish its ocean flavor?

Seaweed flakes like dulse or nori add subtle oceanic notes, enhancing the mashed chickpeas with authentic marine taste.

β†’ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days while maintaining flavor and texture.

β†’ What vegetables add crunch to this mix?

Celery, red onion, and dill pickle provide crispness and a balanced bite to the combination.

β†’ How can I make the dressing tangier?

Adjust the lemon juice or increase Dijon mustard quantities for a more pronounced tangy kick.

β†’ Are there alternatives to vegan mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt can be substituted for a creamier texture if a non-vegan option is acceptable.

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Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas combined with seaweed flakes, celery, and tangy dressing for a fresh, ocean-inspired taste.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Base

01 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 2 tablespoons seaweed flakes (dulse or nori), crumbled
03 1 celery stalk, finely diced
04 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
05 1 small dill pickle, finely diced
06 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
02 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Mash chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still retaining some texture.

Step 02

Combine vegetables and seaweed: Add seaweed flakes, celery, red onion, dill pickle, and parsley if using, then mix thoroughly.

Step 03

Prepare dressing: Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Mix dressing with base: Pour dressing over chickpea mixture and stir until evenly combined. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 05

Serve or store: Serve immediately on sandwiches, wraps, or salad greens, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Small bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains soy if using soy-based vegan mayonnaise and mustard.
  • May contain gluten depending on bread choice and seaweed cross-contamination.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 7 g

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