Spicy "Not-Tuna" Chickpea Salad
Looking for a versatile, plant-based alternative to traditional tuna salad with a kick? This Spicy "Not-Tuna" Chickpea Salad is incredibly easy to make and bursting with savory flavor. Perfect as a sandwich filling, a protein-packed salad topper, or even for deconstructed sushi, it's a delicious and healthy addition to your meal prep!
Yields: Serves 3-4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: At least 30 minutes (recommended for optimal flavor)
Special Equipment: Large mixing bowl, fork or blender (for mashing chickpeas), kitchen scissors (optional, for scallions and nori)
Ingredients
16 oz cooked chickpeas, one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed, or equivalent cooked from dry
½ cup vegan mayo
1–2 tbsp sriracha or any hot sauce, adjust to your spice preference
2 sheets toasted nori seaweed, cut into very small pieces
Few pinches garlic powder
Few pinches onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste, ground white pepper if you have it
2 thinly chopped scallions, for garnish, or mix some into the salad
Directions
Prepare the Chickpeas: In a large bowl, add the cooked chickpeas. Using a fork, mash them thoroughly until they reach a flaky, crumbly texture resembling tuna. For a smoother consistency, place chickpeas in a blender with a drizzle of oil and 2 squirts of hot sauce, then pulse until well incorporated.
Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed/pulsed chickpeas to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the vegan mayo, sriracha (or hot sauce), and the small pieces of toasted nori seaweed.
Season and Mix: Sprinkle in a few pinches of garlic powder and onion powder. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Chill for Flavor (Recommended): While delicious right away, letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or longer!) allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the nori to soften into the mixture, enhancing the overall taste.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with thinly chopped scallions just before serving. Enjoy as desired!
Serving Suggestions:
As a classic sandwich filling on your favorite bread.
Scooped into lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option.
A protein-rich topper for green salads or grain bowls.
Used as a filling for wraps or pitas.
