Vegan Chickpea Salad

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All it takes is a motley crew of everyday ingredients who thought they were in for another boring day in your kitchen to make this delicious, easy family favorite. This delightful vegan chickpea salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Its quick and easy preparation makes it an instant favorite!

My mom prepared a great tuna (sometimes chicken) salad during childhood. She would dice whatever ingredients she had on hand, typically using apples (which we always had on the counter), celery, onions, and spices, and mix it with mayo and mustard. The resulting flavor was a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes - I think that's where my love for sweet and savory combinations originated!

Inspired by those memories, I wanted to recreate the taste of my mom's salad using plant-based ingredients. This vegan version captures the essence of her simple, delicious salad by substituting tuna or chicken with chickpeas, traditional mayo with vegan mayo, and maintaining the same sweet and savory flavors. Here is a heartfelt nod to my mama and my childhood.

View this recipe as a flexible blueprint, allowing for incorporating various vegetables and spices based on what's readily available.

For more recipes with chickpeas, try Easy Falafel Pita Sandwich, Vegan Chickpea Coconut Curry Soup, or Vegan Chickpea and Potato Turnovers.

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Is vegan chickpea salad healthy?
How to make vegan chickpea salad
How to serve vegan chickpea salad
Tips
Variations
FAQs
Recipe
Reviews

Is vegan chickpea salad healthy?

Vegan chickpea salad can be a healthy option. Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are highly nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer a range of health benefits, including aiding digestion, promoting heart health, and providing sustained energy. The various vegetables and spices add essential vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These ingredients contribute to a well-rounded and nutrient-rich meal.

It's important to note that the overall healthiness of a chickpea salad depends on the specific ingredients, portion sizes used, and what you eat it with. If you control the amount of vegan mayo (or leave it out completely, it's still delicious) and sodium and be mindful of portion sizes and additions to the meal, this meal is great for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

How to make vegan chickpea salad

Ingredients you'll need

You can create a delicious meal fast with just a can of chickpeas, a selection of veggies, and a pinch of spices. Here are my family's go-to ingredients for a delicious creamy chickpea salad:

Chickpeas - partially smash the chickpeas to your desired consistency. I usually leave about half or a little less than half intact.
Vegan mayo - the flavor gap between vegan and traditional mayo is unnoticeable. I have tried many brands, and they are all excellent, but I usually go with Hellmann's or Best Foods. You can find them at all major grocery stores.
Apple - I love how the sweetness of the apple counters the savory of the capers and red onions. Substitute with other sweet ingredients like relish (yum) or cranberries.
Red onions and celery - chop finely
Dijon mustard - adds a delightful tanginess
Capers - provide a burst of briny, tangy flavor
Lemon juice - brightens up the dish
Dill - is optional. It harmonizes with the other ingredients well (especially capers and lemon juice) and adds a fresh taste. You can sub with cilantro or parsley if you prefer a different fresh herb.
Salt and cracked pepper to taste

pretzel being dipped into a chickpea salad

Preparation

Drain and wash a can of chickpeas. Smash about half of the chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher. Chop the veggies and add to the bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. It's that simple!

vegan chickpea salad ingredients in a bowl

How to serve vegan chickpea salad

Enjoy it chilled and straight from the bowl for a refreshing, light meal.

Spoon it onto crunchy lettuce leaves for an appealing low-carb lunch. This is a perfect meal for picnics or potlucks! There's nothing to worry about going bad or getting soggy.

Pile vegan chickpea salad onto a slice of toasted rustic bread like sourdough for a satisfying open or closed-faced sandwich. Top it with cherry tomatoes and avocado or arugula and sunflower seeds.

Roll it up in a wrap with shredded carrots and sliced radishes for a portable lunch on the go. Perfect for kids' lunchboxes.

Pair it with a bowl of warm soup for a comforting dinner, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a delicious summer meal.

vegan chickpea salad open faced sandwich with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes

Tips

Consistency: If you plan to use your chickpea salad as a sandwich filling, ensure your ingredients are chopped finely enough to create a cohesive mixture that won’t fall out of the bread.

Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, but if you have time, consider using dried chickpeas. Soak them overnight and then cook until tender. They are easy to make in a pressure cooker and easier on the wallet if you make this often.

Resting Time: If possible, let your vegan chickpea salad rest in the fridge for a bit before serving it. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad taste even better.

Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. Even a small amount can transform the flavor profile of your salad. Try spices like poultry seasoning for a more chicken salad flavor, cumin, coriander, paprika, or even a bit of cayenne for a kick.

Mayo: Did you run out of mayo, or did someone put it back with ½ teaspoon of mayo left? No worries, I have made this many times without the mayo. Instead, I only use the Dijon mustard, or sometimes I substitute it with hummus or mashed avocado. The result is still delicious.

Add-ins: Feel free to customize the salad with different add-ins based on what you like or what you have on hand. Things like olives, sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even some toasted nuts or seeds can add extra flavor and texture.

chickpea salad sandwich cut in half; lunchbox behind it

Variations

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Include ingredients like kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a bit of tahini to the dressing.
Curried Chickpea Salad: Add curry powder, turmeric, diced red onion, shredded carrot, and raisins or currants. For sweetness, the dressing can mix vegan mayo, lemon juice, and a touch of agave or maple syrup.
Mexican-Inspired Chickpea Salad: Add corn, diced bell peppers, black beans, red onion, and cilantro. Try a combination of olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for the dressing.
Greek Inspired Chickpea Salad: Add cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and even grapes! Use olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of dried oregano for the dressing.
Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Salad: Add a mixture of your favorite roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and red onion, to your chickpeas. Dress with a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and mustard.
Asian-Inspired Chickpea Salad: Add shredded cabbage, carrot, bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro. Combine the dressing with soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and a bit of agave or maple syrup. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Other recipes you might like...

Vegan Falafel Wrap, Tofu-Free Vegan Quiche, and Caesar Salad.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

This salad tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors have more time to meld together. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones?

You can use dried chickpeas, but they must be soaked overnight and cooked until tender, which adds to the prep time. One can of chickpeas is roughly equivalent to 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas.

What else can I add to my chickpea salad?

This salad is versatile, and you can add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or olives. For added protein, you could include tofu or tempeh.

Can I substitute the vegan mayo?

You can substitute the vegan mayo with a vegan yogurt, an avocado-based dressing, hummus, or smashed avocado for a different flavor profile. I sometimes only use a little bit of mustard, which is delicious.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad can be served individually, as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or as a side with other dishes. It also goes well with some toasted bread or crackers.

Is this salad gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check all your additional ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I freeze chickpea salad?

I do not recommend freezing this salad as the texture of the veggies and the dressing can change when frozen and then thawed. This salad is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.