Name: Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained (or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas); ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise (60g); 1 nori sheet, finely chopped; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (about half a small red onion); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 10 capers, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon white vinegar; Sprinkle of sea salt; Sprinkle of ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe·4 from 52 reviews

If you have ever missed the classic flavors of tuna salad but want a compassionate, plant-based twist, then this Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It captures all the briny, tangy, and creamy notes you love with an unbelievably simple ingredient list, using chickpeas and nori to recreate that beloved “seafood” essence without any fish involved. This salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a vibrant topping for crackers, making it a truly versatile gem in your vegan kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows four steps in making a chickpea-based mixture, all in the same clear rectangular glass dish on a white marbled surface. The first step shows a layer of whole beige chickpeas with a fork resting on them. In the second step, the chickpeas are mashed, turning into a crumbly yellowish paste covering the dish. The third step displays several separate dollops on top of the mashed chickpeas: dark seaweed pieces, white sour cream, chopped red onions, beige spices, and light yellow mustard. In the final step, the mixture is fully combined into a uniform beige paste with small dark flecks mixed throughout, with the fork still resting in the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe delivers on every front—from flavor depth to texture and color. Each element plays a crucial role, from the chickpeas bringing creaminess and protein, to the nori adding that unmistakable ocean-like hint.

15 ounce Can Chickpeas (or 1 and ½ cups cooked chickpeas): The hearty base that mimics the flaky texture of tuna perfectly while keeping it vegan and nutritious.
¼ cup Vegan Mayonnaise (60g): Adds luscious creaminess and binds all the ingredients super smoothly.
1 Nori Sheet, finely chopped: A brilliant trick to infuse that unmistakable “sea” flavor without any fish.
¼ cup Red Onion, finely chopped: Offers a sharp bite and crunchy texture, balancing the creamy chickpeas.
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice: Brightens the mixture with freshness and a little tangy zing.
10 Capers, finely chopped: Adds an intense briny pop that really lifts the salad’s flavor.
½ tsp Garlic Powder: Brings subtle savory warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast: Adds depth, a touch of cheesy umami that enhances the overall savoriness.
1 Tbsp Tamari or Soy Sauce: Introduces a salty, rich undertone that reinforces the “tuna” vibe.
½ Tbsp Dijon Mustard: Gives a gentle tang and complexity that rounds out the taste profile.
½ tsp White Vinegar: Provides an extra layer of acidity to wake up the flavors.
Sprinkle Sea Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every note.
Sprinkle Ground Black Pepper: Adds a little kick and spice contrast.

How to Make Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mash the Chickpeas

Start by draining and rinsing your chickpeas. Place them in a mixing bowl and mash them gently with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture. This step is key to creating a flaky base that mimics traditional tuna salad’s mouthfeel.

Step 2: Add the Creamy and Flavorful Ingredients

Next, add vegan mayonnaise, finely chopped nori, and red onion directly into the mashed chickpeas. These elements bring creaminess, that signature “sea” essence, and some crunch, setting the foundation for a truly vibrant salad.

Step 3: Boost with Tangy and Umami Flavors

Pour in fresh lemon juice, finely chopped capers, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, tamari, dijon mustard, and white vinegar. Stir everything together well—this complex medley is what sets the Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe apart, balancing tanginess, saltiness, and umami beautifully.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Give your salad a taste test and add sea salt and ground black pepper to suit your preference. Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper is all you need to bring the flavors to life.

Step 5: Mix and Serve

Once all ingredients are combined to your liking, give it a final stir and your Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe is ready to shine. Whether you enjoy it right away or chilled later, it’s prepared to delight.

How to Serve Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe

The image shows an open sandwich on a slice of seeded brown bread. The bottom layer is a fresh, green lettuce leaf with a smooth texture. On top of the lettuce, there is a thick, bright red tomato slice. The upper layer is a creamy, chunky chickpea salad mixed with small bits of purple onion and dark green herbs mixed in. The chickpea salad is pale yellow with a slightly rough texture and is garnished with a few small green parsley leaves scattered on top. The sandwich is placed on a wooden board with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives make excellent garnishes, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed toasted nori can also add a little textural crunch and visual appeal to your dish.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce leaves or slices of ripe avocado to turn it into a filling wrap or sandwich. Serve alongside crunchy veggie sticks, pita chips, or your favorite grain salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning this salad into avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer. It also works fantastically as a protein-packed topping for crackers or on top of a vibrant green salad to add flair and substance. The versatility is endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

Because of the mayo and delicate fresh ingredients, freezing this salad isn’t ideal as it can alter the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is typically served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it a bit warmer, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cooked chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Freshly cooked chickpeas work wonderfully and might even give a creamier texture. Just make sure they are well-drained and not too wet before mashing.

What if I can’t find nori sheets?

Nori sheets add that signature ocean flavor, but if unavailable, a pinch of kelp powder or a splash of vegan Worcestershire sauce can be a good substitute to replicate the sea taste.

Is there a substitute for vegan mayonnaise?

You can swap vegan mayo with mashed avocado or a tahini sauce for a different twist, though this will change the classic creamy texture slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure that the tamari or soy sauce you use is gluten-free, as many traditional soy sauces contain wheat. Most tamari brands offer gluten-free options.

Can this salad be used as a sandwich filling?

Definitely! This Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe is perfect as a sandwich or wrap filling. It holds together well and offers plenty of flavor, making your sandwiches both tasty and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and compassionate alternative to traditional tuna salad, this Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh and savory notes, and versatile enough to fit many meals. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be excited to keep it in your recipe rotation for years to come.

Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need