Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich 

Get ready to love lunch even more with this Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich! Packed with flavor, hearty chickpeas, and a creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying and delicious plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Gluten-free Option.

If you've been craving tuna but want to eat more plant-based meals, you have to try this Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe. Inspired by my Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich, it uses chickpeas as the base. It's creamy, savory, tangy, and has all the perfect textures. Trust me, you're going to love it!

This mock tuna salad doesn’t just taste amazing—it also requires no cooking, which is perfect for those warm spring + summer days. It’s ready in minutes and loaded with plant-based protein + fiber from the chickpeas! I really love that this recipe uses simple ingredients and is so meal-prep friendly + easily customizable. This is a truly satisfying 'vegan tuna' replacement you can enjoy in SO many ways --- Not just on a sandwich, but also amazing with crackers, pasta salads, lettuce cups and so much more!

Jump to:

• What Is 'Vegan Tuna' Made From?
• Ingredients For Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich 
• Why Even Meat Eaters Will LOVE This Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich
• What Goes With Tuna Salad? How Can I Use It?
• Tuna Salad Sandwich Ingredient Add-In Ideas
• What Are Chickpeas?
• Are Canned or Cooked Chickpeas Better?
• Are Chickpeas Healthy?
• Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich Q + A's
• More Meatless Recipes You’ll Love
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich 

What Is 'Vegan Tuna' Made From?

Vegan tuna is made from chickpeas! They have an amazing texture that mixes perfectly with classic tuna salad ingredients like dill, red onion, mayo, and more. It's such a savory, delicious, and satisfying plant-based alternative. Trust me, you won't even miss the real thing!

Ingredients For Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich 

The best part about this sandwich recipe is that you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry + fridge!

VEGAN TUNA SALAD:

• Chickpeas. I used canned chickpeas, be sure to drain + rinse them. You could also use cooled cooked chickpeas.
• Carrot. Peeled + grated.
• Garlic cloves. For a nice fresh garlicky kick!
• Vegan mayonnaise. I love using Follow Your Heart Veganaise. It is super creamy and smooth but feel free to add your fave if you prefer.
• Dijon mustard. I love the tanginess this adds.
• Red onion. Diced small, they add a nice subtle sweetness + crunch factor.
• Lemon. Freshly-squeezed.
• Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dill + dried parsley.

SANDWICH:

• Bread. Toasted or not (I love using honey oat bread, brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
• Pickles. Sliced or Bread & Butter
• Greens. You can use your faves like mustard greens, arugula, kale, romaine, etc.

Why Even Meat Eaters Will LOVE This Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich

• It's so savory + delicious, you won't believe it's plant-based!
• The chickpeas create a satisfying, tuna-like texture.
• Ready in minutes, perfect for busy days and throw-together meals!
• Packed with plant-based protein + fiber.
• Uses everyday staples you probably already have.
• Enjoy it in sandwiches, on crackers, or straight from the bowl.
• Meal prep friendly --- Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

What Goes With Tuna Salad? How Can I Use It?

While this tuna salad recipe is AMAZING in a sandwich or even all on its own, there are so many creative ways to serve it! Here are some of my faves:

• Sandwich or wraps. Spread tuna salad between two slices of bread or wrap it in a tortilla for a classic sandwich or wrap!
• On crackers. Scoop with your favorite crackers!
• Stuffed vegetables. Fill bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado halves with tuna salad for a tasty and nutritious snack or light meal.
• Tuna melt. Pile tuna salad onto a slice of bread, top with cheese, and grill until melted for a warm and comforting tuna melt! Follow my vegan tuna melt recipe!
• Pasta salad. Mix tuna salad into cooked pasta with some veggies and dressing for a quick and satisfying pasta salad.
• Lettuce wrap. Stuff and enjoy the crunch!

Tuna Salad Sandwich Ingredient Add-In Ideas

Even though this sandwich is amazing just the way it is, if you’re anything like me, you might enjoy customizing + mixing things up.

Here are some ideas for extra ingredients that will take this sandwich to the next level!

• Diced red bell peppers for sweetness and color
• Avocado would make this even more creamy + delicious.
• Cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch
• Celery adds a nice crunch and extra freshness.
• Herb roasted tomatoes for some umami flavor!
• Capers for a briny flavor boost
• Sliced black or green olives for a salty, briny flavor.
• Seaweed for extra 'oceany' flavor.
• Diced jalapeños or chili peppers for heat

What Are Chickpeas?

For those of you who aren’t aware, another name for Chickpeas is Garbanzo Beans. They have been around for thousands of years and originate from the Middle East. Chickpeas have such a great texture and nutty flavor, which allows them to successfully pair well with a lot of other ingredients, especially in vegan and/or vegetarian recipes.

From creamy hummus to tasty curries and crispy falafel, chickpeas are a superstar ingredient that adds both fun and nutrition to your meals. Plus, they're a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Are Canned or Cooked Chickpeas Better?

Both canned and cooked chickpeas work fine! Canned chickpeas are quick and convenient, perfect for when you need something fast.

Cooked chickpeas, made from dried beans, can be more economical and allow you to control the texture better, but they take longer to prepare and are less convenient. Either option works great for this recipe, so use whatever you have on hand!

Are Chickpeas Healthy?

Yes, chickpeas are very healthy! They are packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestion, heart health, and overall wellness, which is why I absolutely love using them in recipes, especially vegan + vegetarian ones!

Chickpea Health Benefits

When it comes to the health benefits of Chickpeas, here are a few reasons why you should probably add this simple ingredient to your diet more often:

• Packed with nutrients!!!
• Rich in plant-based protein!
• Supports blood sugar control.
• Full of fiber + might aid digestion.
• May protect against Chronic Diseases (such as heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, etc.)
• May help keep your appetite under control (Think about how protein + fiber helps to slow down digestion, therefore keeping you full longer!).

Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich Q + A's

More Meatless Recipes You’ll Love

If you are a fan of this easy Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe, you will also love these other meatless meals!

• Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos
• Vegan Meatball Subs
• Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos
• Vegan Pot Pie
• Spicy Vegan Chili
• Hearty Vegan Taco Soup

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

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