Chickpea Tuna Salad

Featured in: Cinnamon Desserts

This dish blends mashed chickpeas with crumbled seaweed flakes, diced celery, red onion, and pickles to evoke savory ocean flavors without fish. A tangy dressing made of vegan mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, capers, and seasonings brings brightness and depth. Ready in 15 minutes, it makes a fresh sandwich or wrap filling and pairs well with fresh greens. Optional ingredients like parsley add herbaceous notes, while simple swaps like Greek yogurt can adjust creaminess. The combination offers a satisfying and wholesome plant-forward option that's easy and flavorful.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:10:00 GMT
Creamy Chickpea Tuna Salad, a vegan delight, ready to be spread on your favorite bread or wrap. Pin
Creamy Chickpea Tuna Salad, a vegan delight, ready to be spread on your favorite bread or wrap. | cinnamonnest.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.

This chickpea tuna salad quickly became a staple in my kitchen for weekday lunches. Its fresh flavors and satisfying texture make every bite feel like a treat.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 cups (1 can, 400 g), drained and rinsed
  • Seaweed flakes: 2 tablespoons (dulse or nori), crumbled
  • Celery stalk: 1, 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 the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still a bit chunky.
Add Vegetables:
Add the seaweed flakes, celery, red onion, pickle, and parsley (if using) and mix well.
Make Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Combine:
Add the dressing to the chickpea mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve immediately on sandwiches, wraps, or over salad greens. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
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| cinnamonnest.com

My family loves this chickpea tuna salad layered into wraps for picnics. It is a hit with both adults and kids every time we bring it along.

Notes

Swap vegan mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if not strictly vegan. Add diced bell pepper or grated carrot for extra crunch and color.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, potato masher or fork, small bowl, knife and cutting board, spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains soy and mustard. May contain gluten depending on bread choice or seaweed cross-contamination. Always double-check labels.

Close-up of fresh Chickpea Tuna Salad, perfectly portioned, offering a flavorful, plant-based meal option. Pin
Close-up of fresh Chickpea Tuna Salad, perfectly portioned, offering a flavorful, plant-based meal option. | cinnamonnest.com

Enjoy this salad fresh, and experiment with your favorite veggies or wraps for a perfectly tailored meal.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use fresh seaweed instead of flakes?

Fresh seaweed can be used but should be finely chopped and dried slightly to avoid excess moisture affecting texture.

How do I adjust seasoning for less salt?

Reduce added salt and capers, then gradually season to taste to maintain balance without overpowering flavors.

What can replace vegan mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or avocado puree can substitute to add creaminess while altering the flavor subtly.

Is this suitable for a quick lunch?

Yes, preparation only takes 15 minutes and it can be served immediately or chilled for later.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Diced bell pepper or shredded carrot are excellent for added crunch and color without overpowering the mix.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Mashed chickpeas with seaweed and fresh herbs create a vibrant, easy-to-make savory mix.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Total duration
15 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 01

Mash chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down but still slightly chunky.

Step 02

Combine vegetables and seaweed: Add seaweed flakes, diced celery, red onion, pickle, and parsley if using. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Prepare dressing: Whisk vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped capers, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Mix dressing with base: Pour dressing into the chickpea mixture and stir until fully combined. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 05

Serve or store: Serve immediately on sandwiches, wraps, or salad greens, or refrigerate for up to three days.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy (if soy-based vegan mayonnaise) and mustard. May contain gluten if served on regular bread. Check seaweed for cross-contamination.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 23 g
  • Protein: 7 g