This chickpea tuna salad vegan recipe is quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. It comes together in minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for easy lunches, meal prep, or light dinners.
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Chickpea Tuna Salad
I make this on repeat when I want something high-protein, no-cook, plant-based, and satisfying without turning on the stove.
In This Post
- Chickpea Tuna Salad
- Julia's Why-You'll-Love-It List
- Ingredients
- How To Make Chickpea Salad
- My Favorite Tools
- Julia's Tip
- Tips
- What I Love To Serve It With
- Storing Leftovers
- Bonus: Upgrade Variations
- More Quick Vegan Lunch & Meal Prep Recipes
- Did You Like This Recipe?
- Recipe Card
- FAQs
- More Vegan Recipes You'll Love
- Comments
Julia's Why-You'll-Love-It List
♥ This vegan chickpea tuna salad hits that same creamy, tangy, slightly briny flavor you expect from classic tuna salad, but 100% plant-based.
- The chickpeas give a hearty, slightly chunky texture that mimics tuna.
- My secret ingredient adds that subtle "sea" flavor (this is what makes it taste legit).
- The vegan mayo + lemon combo balances richness with brightness.
- The celery + pickles add crunch and acidity so it's not flat.
I've tested this a lot, and the biggest difference from average versions is texture balance. Too smooth = boring. Too chunky = dry. This one lands right in the middle.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas - The base. Mash half for creaminess, keep the rest chunky for texture.
- Nori sheet - Adds that subtle seafood flavor. Roasted seaweed nori snacks is also ok (but these are usually salted).
- Mayo - The creamy base. You can mix with (vegan, if needed) sour cream for a lighter taste. For this recipe, I used vegan mayo, but of course, regular mayo/sour cream (just like in a traditional tuna salad recipe) works just fine.
- Dill Pickles + pickle juice - Bring tang and depth. Don't skip the juice.
- Celery - Adds fresh crunch. Swap with cucumber for a lighter texture.
- Fresh dill - Bright and herby. Dried works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Use fresh lemon juice - Bottled won't give the same brightness.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Chickpea Salad
- Mash the garbanzo beans: In a bowl, mash about half the chickpeas. Leave the rest whole for texture.
- Add flavor base: Stir in vegan mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix in texture: Add celery, red onion, pickles, pickle juice, and chopped nori. Add herbs: Stir in fresh dill at the end for a fresh flavor.
- Chill: Let it sit in the fridge for 30-60 minutes so flavors blend.
- Serve: Scoop into lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or bowls.
My Favorite Tools
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Buy Now → Julia's Tip
If the flavor feels off, it's almost always a balance issue - add a little more salt, lemon juice, or nori.
Tips
- Don't over-mash - you want some chunks for that "tuna-like" texture.
- Nori - this is what gives the seafood flavor.
- For extra flavor - add a pinch of mustard or capers. Extra salt + lemon juice also helps if you feel that something is missing.
- For better texture - finely dice everything evenly.
- Shortcut - use a food processor for quick chopping, but pulse, don't puree.
What I Love To Serve It With
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Sandwiches or wraps for easy lunches.
- Crackers or toast for snacks.
- Add to pasta for a quick vegan pasta salad.
- Pair with your favorite veggie soup or simple green salad.
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Make Ahead. Make it a day in advance for best flavor.
Bonus: Upgrade Variations
- Bold flavor twist: Add capers + Dijon mustard for a sharper taste.
- Lighter option: Use half vegan yogurt instead of all mayo, restaurant-style.
- Restaurant-inspired version: Serve on toasted sourdough with avocado slices.
- Family-friendly adjustment: Skip nori and keep flavors mild for kids.
More Quick Vegan Lunch & Meal Prep Recipes
Did You Like This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Recipe Card
Chickpea "Tuna" Salad (Vegan)
VIDEO
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 sheet nori, or 2 if you like the flavor, chopped very fine or food processor
- 2 can (15 ounce) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 tablespoon dill pickles + 2 teaspoon pickle juice, not too sweet pickles
- 3 tablespoon red onion
- ½ cup vegan mayo, or a mix of mayo and sour cream vegan
- ½ teaspoon salt, or more (I usually add more)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill (optional, 1 herb of your choice), finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mash half of chickpeas in a bowl: leave some chunky for texture.2 can (15 ounce) chickpeas
- Add all ingredients: mix until creamy and well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.1 sheet nori, 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, 2 stalks celery, 3 tablespoon dill pickles + 2 teaspoon pickle juice, 3 tablespoon red onion, ½ cup vegan mayo, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoon fresh dill (optional, 1 herb of your choice)
- Chill: refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor.
- Serve: in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or pasta salad.
- Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!
NOTES
- Chilling is essential - it helps the flavors blend and improves the overall texture.
- Don't over-mash the chickpeas - keep some chunks for that classic "tuna-like" bite.
- Nori makes the difference - it adds that subtle seafood flavor that makes this taste like real tuna salad.
- If you feel like there is not enough flavor it is almost always not enough salt, lemon juice or nori balance.
- Pickles - Use classic dill pickles for that traditional flavor. Not too sweet, not too spicy. That said, use what you like.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Cooking more chickpeas this week? Try my popular Chickpea Cauli Curry next!
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQs
It's not identical, but the nori and texture make it surprisingly close.
Yes, it holds up really well for several days.
Yes, just cook them first until soft.
Cucumber or even apple for a fresh crunch.
Yes, use mashed avocado or vegan yogurt instead.
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