Chickpea Tuna Salad: The Ultimate Plant-Based "Tuna" Mash-Up

Chickpea Tuna Salad: The BEST Plant-Based &quot Tuna&quot Ever!

By Emma ClarkeJune 24, 2025

Ditch the fish! My chickpea tuna salad recipe is a plant-based dream. Healthy, delicious, and ready in 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or light supper. Get the recipe! ... Vegetarian Delights

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a chickpea tuna salad that's totally plant-based? Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. It's a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a classic.

Brief Overview

This vegan tuna salad recipe is a modern twist on an old favourite. it's super easy and takes only 15 minutes.

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Main Benefits

It's packed with plant-based protein from the chickpeas. this healthy salad with tuna alternative is perfect for a quick lunch.

What makes this recipe special is the nori flakes for that authentic sea taste.

Chickpea Tuna Salad: The Ultimate Plant-Based Mash-Up

Have you ever craved that classic tuna salad taste but wanted a plant-based tuna alternative ? well, you're in for a treat! i remember the first time i tried this.

I was skeptical, but one bite convinced me.

This recipe is my attempt to recreate that nostalgic flavour. I aim to give you this, without any fishy bits. Think of this as a super easy Tuna Salad Bowl Recipe .

It’s a simple mix of chickpeas, vegan mayo, and a few other key ingredients. this helps to bring that tuna flavor.

It's perfect for a quick chickpea salad sandwich or on top of crackers.

Chickpea Tuna Salad: The Ultimate Plant-Based &quot Tuna&quot Mash-Up presentation

What Makes This Tuna Healthy Salad So Good?

Firstly, the chickpeas are mashed to give a flaky texture. this mimics the consistency of tuna. the capers and dill add a briny, fresh flavor.

The nori flakes bring that umami "sea" taste that's crucial.

Looking for some Healthy Lunch Ideas With Tuna , This Salad With Tuna Recipes is a great contender.

It is also perfect for Vegan lunch ideas or something quick to make. Try out this amazing Chickpea tuna salad variations, I will tell you you won't regret it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right, so you wanna make this chickpea tuna salad ? It's ruddy brilliant, honestly. But first, let's gather our bits and bobs. Don't worry, it's not complicated. We’ll walk the dog together!

Key Players: What You Need to Make the Magic Happen

First, you need the main ingredient. grab 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can of chickpeas . make sure they look alright – not too bruised or squishy.

Give them a good rinse too. then you'll need 1/4 cup (60ml) of vegan mayonnaise . hellmann's vegan is pretty decent, like, if you want that proper creamy texture.

Next up, 1/4 cup (60ml) of finely chopped celery for that crunch and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion for a bit of a kick.

Trust me on this, it elevates the whole thing. also, you'll need 2 tablespoons of capers, drained . these are salty, so go easy on the seasoning later.

Then, 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped - it gives the salad a fresh, summery taste!

Finally, for that authentic "tuna" flavour, grab 1/2 teaspoon of nori flakes . these are a game changer, honestly! you can find them in most health food shops.

And a dash of pepper 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper , and a dash of lemon 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness.

Flavour Town: Seasoning Like a Pro

The seasoning is where you can really make this recipe sing. dijon mustard 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard gives it a little bit of zing.

That sea flavor from nori flakes is the key to a good plant-based tuna alternative . it also works as a vegan tuna salad recipe .

Don’t skip it! salt is important. but the secret is in using all the ingredients. it will be as good as your mum did.

Spice combinations like dill and lemon are absolute winners. you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick, if you're feeling brave.

Quick sub? if you can't find red onion, use shallots.

Kit Out: What You'll Need Gear-Wise

You really don't need a lot of fancy equipment for this.

Firstly, you'll need a large mixing bowl. obviously. after that, a fork or potato masher to mash those chickpeas. a chopping board and a knife for the veggies.

If you have some measuring cups and spoons for the measurements. i swear to god, that's it.

If you don't have a potato masher, just use a fork. honestly, it works just as well. and don't worry if your chopping skills aren't perfect.

This is a tuna salad bowl recipe , not a michelin-star dish.

Now, with all your ingredients and equipment ready, you're officially set to create some magic in the kitchen. And remember, it’s about the fun, not the faff! You’ll whip up a seriously good chickpea tuna salad variations recipe in no time! So, are you ready?

Chickpea Tuna Salad: Your New Favourite Lunch Hack

Fancy a tuna salad bowl recipe that's actually good for you? i've got you covered! forget the fish, we're going plant-based tuna alternative with this chickpea tuna salad recipe.

It's ridiculously easy. honestly, if i can make it, anyone can. let's dive in, shall we?

Prep Like a Pro

Before you even think about mashing chickpeas, get your ingredients ready. this is your essential mise en place. chop your celery and red onion.

Drain those capers. rinsing the chickpeas is a must, to avoid that tinny taste. it saves time later, trust me.

This prep, is the essence of "ready, steady, cook!".

Chickpea Tuna Salad: Step-by-Step

Okay, here's the magic:

Mash those drained chickpeas in your mixing bowl. Don't go overboard. We want texture.
Stir in your vegan mayonnaise , lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
Add the chopped celery, red onion, and capers.
Mix in the fresh dill and nori flakes. Nori is the secret ingredient, it gives it that sea flavour.
Season with black pepper and salt. Go easy on the salt. The capers are already salty.
Stir it all up. Give it a good mix to get those flavours dancing.

Pro Tips for Chickpea Tuna Salad Perfection

Don’t over-mash! Chunks are your friend. A common mistake is blitzing it into a puree. Aim for flaky, not smooth.

If you want it to be vegan lunch ideas , make it ahead. it tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes .

The flavours meld together, and it gets even better. seriously good salad with tuna recipes

Whip up this chickpea salad sandwich for a tasty healthy lunch ideas with tuna ! You can find many chickpea tuna salad variations This is a Tuna Healthy Salad .

Honestly, this healthy salad with tuna version is a game changer. This vegan tuna salad recipe is easy, delicious, and good for you. Give it a go!

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's dive into some handy tips for this wicked chickpea tuna salad recipe! honestly, it's super simple, but these little extras will take it from "good" to "oh my gosh, that's amazing!".

I always say, the devil is in the details, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Fancy it up a bit! think about how you're gonna serve this bad boy. a classic tuna salad bowl recipe is always a winner.

Pile it high on some leafy greens. a dollop on crunchy crackers is fab too. or, get a bit posh, spoon it into avocado halves.

Got some sourdough? toast it and pile it on! you could even try a salad with tuna recipes situation and use it as a topping for a bigger salad.

The possibilities are endless.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

This chickpea tuna salad is best eaten fresh, but leftovers will happily keep in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Just give it a good stir before serving. freezing? i wouldn't, to be honest. the mayo gets a bit weird.

If you're prepping ahead, just make the plant-based tuna alternative a day before at most.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Feeling adventurous? this recipe is ripe for tweaking! want a bit of spice? a pinch of chili flakes will do the trick.

Need it gluten-free? use gluten-free bread or crackers. for a vegan tuna salad recipe , stick to the vegan mayo we've used in this recipe.

You can also add some heat for a little kick. it gives this chickpea tuna salad variations a nice twist.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

This healthy salad with tuna (well, chickpea instead of tuna!) is packed with protein and fiber. it is amazing! it's good for a healthy lunch ideas with tuna because chickpeas are brilliant for keeping you full.

Remember that these are estimates, and will vary slightly depending on your ingredients. a tuna healthy salad is not just tasty, but a great way to get some goodness in.

Right, go on and give this chickpea salad sandwich recipe a go. it is that easy. i had a go at it myself and it was amazing! i swear, even die-hard tuna fans might be converted by this vegan lunch ideas .

Have a crack, and let me know what you think!

Vegan Tuna Salad Recipe: Delicious Chickpea Tuna Salad!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chickpea tuna salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chickpea tuna salad often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What are some good substitutes for vegan mayonnaise in chickpea tuna salad?

If you're not keen on vegan mayo, or just want to lighten things up, try using a combination of plain vegan yogurt and a little olive oil. You could also use mashed avocado for a creamier, healthier option, though it will change the flavour profile a bit. Another shout would be to use a cashew cream – very "cheffy" but super tasty!

I don't have nori flakes. Is there anything else I can use to get that "fishy" flavor in my chickpea tuna salad?

Nori flakes really do add that essential "sea" flavor that mimics tuna, but if you can't find them, don't fret! A tiny pinch of kelp powder can work in a pinch (use sparingly, it's powerful stuff!). You can also try adding a few drops of seaweed-infused olive oil. If all else fails, you can omit them – the salad will still be delicious, just less "tuna-esque".

My chickpea tuna salad is a bit bland. How can I add more flavour?

A bland chickpea tuna salad is easily fixable! First, ensure you've used enough salt – it really brings out the other flavours. A squeeze more lemon juice can also brighten things up. For a deeper flavour, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a tiny bit of Old Bay seasoning (check it's vegan friendly!). Sometimes a touch more Dijon mustard can work wonders too.

How can I store leftover chickpea tuna salad, and how long will it last?

To properly store any leftover chickpea tuna salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will last for about 3-4 days, which makes it great for meal prepping. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some separation might occur. Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.

Is this chickpea tuna salad recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

This chickpea tuna salad is a healthier alternative to traditional tuna salad, being packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the chickpeas. It's also lower in fat and cholesterol. Chickpeas provide essential nutrients, and the vegetables add vitamins and minerals. It's a win-win for taste and nutrition!