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–+ servings
Julia

Chickpea “Tuna” Salad (Vegan)

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This chickpea tuna salad vegan recipe is quick, easy, and high-protein. A healthy plant-based lunch idea perfect for meal prep and sandwiches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Salad
Calories: 387
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

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

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Mash half of chickpeas in a bowl: leave some chunky for texture.
    2 can (15 ounce) chickpeas
  2. 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)
  3. Chill: refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor.
  4. Serve: in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or pasta salad.
  5. Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!

Nutrition

Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1083mgPotassium: 362mgFiber: 10gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 77IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 3mg

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.  

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