Chickpea Tuna Salad

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines mashed chickpeas with flavorful seaweed flakes, celery, red onion, and pickle for a textured, savory base. A creamy dressing made from vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and capers brings tang and depth. The salad is quick to prepare, no cooking required, and perfect for serving on sandwiches, wraps, or fresh greens. Adding fresh parsley enhances the herbaceous notes, while optional ingredients like bell pepper or smoked paprika can introduce extra crunch and smokiness. This plant-forward mix balances protein and zest for an easy, healthy meal.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:18:00 GMT
Creamy chickpea tuna salad, a vegan delight ready to be served on a sandwich. Save to Pinterest
Creamy chickpea tuna salad, a vegan delight ready to be served on a sandwich. | yummywithmia.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.

I started making this chickpea tuna salad after searching for a vegan alternative to the sandwiches I grew up with. That hint of seaweed really brings out the nostalgic ocean taste and now I serve it at every family potluck.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 cups (1 can 400 g) drained and rinsed
  • Seaweed flakes: 2 tablespoons (such as dulse or nori) crumbled
  • Celery: 1 stalk 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

Instructions

Mash chickpeas:
In a large mixing bowl mash chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still chunky.
Mix base veggies:
Add seaweed flakes celery red onion pickle and parsley (if using). Mix well.
Prepare dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together vegan mayonnaise Dijon mustard lemon juice chopped capers garlic powder salt and black pepper until smooth.
Combine:
Add dressing to chickpea mixture and stir until combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately on sandwiches wraps or salads or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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| yummywithmia.com

My family loves packing these chickpea tuna salad sandwiches for hiking trips. Everyone enjoys adding their favorite toppings and it has become our go-to for easy healthy lunches.

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 bread and check seaweed for cross-contamination. Double-check all labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 180 calories 7 g total fat 23 g carbohydrates and 7 g protein.

Freshly made chickpea tuna salad, with visible chunks of vegetables mixed into the creamy base. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made chickpea tuna salad, with visible chunks of vegetables mixed into the creamy base. | yummywithmia.com

This chickpea tuna salad is so flavorful you might not miss the fish. Try it on lettuce wraps or whole grain bread for a delicious meal.

Common Recipe Questions

What gives the salad its ocean flavor?

Crumbled seaweed flakes like dulse or nori add authentic oceanic notes to this dish.

Can I substitute vegan mayonnaise in the dressing?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as an alternative for a creamier texture, though it changes the flavor slightly.

How should I prepare the chickpeas?

Drain, rinse, and mash the chickpeas until mostly broken but still retaining some texture.

Are there options to add more crunch?

Diced bell pepper or grated carrot can be folded in for additional crunch and color.

How long can the salad be stored?

It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container without losing freshness.

What are common serving suggestions?

Serve on sandwiches, wraps, or over fresh salad greens for a versatile meal.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas and seaweed blend with tangy dressing for a fresh, plant-based salad option.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Plant-Based, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

Base

01 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 2 tablespoons seaweed flakes (such as 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Base Ingredients: Add seaweed flakes, diced celery, red onion, pickle, and parsley if using. Mix thoroughly to combine evenly.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Mix Salad: Pour the dressing into the chickpea mixture and stir until fully integrated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 05

Serve or Store: Serve immediately on sandwiches, wraps, or over greens, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy if using soy-based vegan mayonnaise, and mustard.
  • May contain gluten if served on regular bread; verify seaweed for cross-contamination.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 180
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams