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Enjoy this crave-worthy Chickpea Salad Sandwich made with avocado (no mayo required!( for an easy and healthy lunch. This satisfying vegan recipe comes together in 15 minutes!
I think bread is my favorite food in the whole wide world. What doesn't taste phenomenal smushed between toasty bread?
So I've been relying more on pantry staples like chickpeas lately because they're so darn versatile. One of my favorite quick lunches has been these creamy + tangy chickpea salad sandwiches. Hella satisfying, I tell you!
If you love my 10-minute tuna chickpea salad, you're gonna go wild for this recipe. It's like a vegan tuna salad of sorts loaded with mashed chickpeas, dreamy avocado, briny pickles, and crunchy veggies. And it comes together in a flash.
Now am I the only one who's been majorly struggling with what to eat for lunch? It's weird because with dinner, I know I'll have to think about it, plan it out, and spend some time making it. I don't know why, but I don't give lunch the same effort.
I'm usually eating a random assortment of odds and ends bent over the counter. I find that it's been tougher for me to incorporate veggies, too. Know that it's totally fine if lunch isn't magical or mindful or intuitive to you, especially right now. Join the club.
I hope this scrumptious vegan chickpea salad sandwich packed with veggies gives you some practical inspiration to help tackle lunchtime with a bit more ease!
Mix in-ideas
This recipe is vegan and mayo free since we're relying instead on avocado for creaminess. It's the perfect heart-healthy stand in! The base recipe is wonderful as is, but feel free to jazz it up as you see fit.
Sunflower seeds: toasted seeds would be delish here for some textural intrigue.
Dried cranberries or cherries: I love dried fruit in tuna and chickpea salad. If you're in that camp and looking for a more chewy bite, go for it!
Mayo or Greek yogurt: If you want this to taste even more like vegan tuna salad, feel free to swirl in some mayo. If you don't have avocado, you could use 2-3 tbsp mayo instead.
How to make chickpea salad sandwiches
This plant-based recipe couldn't be easier and you likely have everything you need to make it in the pantry and fridge. It's pretty forgiving, so don't fret if you're missing a veggie. Use what you have and make it your own!
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas and dump them into a mixing bowl. Lightly mash.
Add avocado, chopped veggies, pickles, and remaining seasoning. Mash to combine.
Serve between toasted bread or on a bed of spinach. Devour!
How long does chickpea salad keep?
This recipe should be enjoyed the same day it's made for the most fresh flavor. The avocado will oxidize (turn brown) pretty quickly here, so good thing this recipe makes two servings--perfect for lunch!
If you were to use 2-3 tbsp mayo instead of avocado, it would last for a few days covered in the fridge.
What to serve with chickpea salad sandwiches
Pickles: Is there a better sammie accompaniment? Crunchy dill pickles add welcomed briny acidity. Bubbies are my favorite!
Chips: I love potato chips or tortilla chips for crunch on the side.
Fresh fruit: Lately I'm into watermelon, but cherries, grapes, and pineapple add a pop of contrasting juicy sweetness.
There you have it friends...the lunch recipe we all needed to pull us out of the I-don't-know-what-to-make-for-lunch rut. Eat on!
Enjoy this crave-worthy Chickpea Salad Sandwich made with no mayo for an easy and healthy lunch. This satisfying recipe comes together in under 15 minutes!
Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!
Reader Interactions
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Ramonasays
Oh my word! This is absolutely delicious! Gives a similar mouthfeel to mayo! What a brilliant recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Very yummy! Definitely makes more than 2 servings, we had leftovers, which is never a bad thing. It was crumbly and a bit dry, so I added a bit of pickle juice and doubled the mustard. We will definitely keep this recipe on hand for an easy, healthy lunch!
L.O. V. E. !!!
Super easy, super delicious & super customizable. Definitely will be making again and again. Made it exactly as written (yummm) but since I like my sandwich crunchy, I’ll try chopping the carrots next time instead of grating. Maybe I’ll roll up in a tortilla or eat as a salad for the next time.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
The best chickpea salad EVER! It's so hard to find a good chickpea salad that doesn't use vegan mayo, but this is it! It's super customizable too, I can't get enough of this.
Really loved this recipe! Made it without the bell peppers (had none on hand) and splashed in some of the pickle juice in lieu of salt. Shredded half a carrot in too. Perfect summer lunch — a definite must-make!
SO good! Made it as a sandwich for my husband and served it over butter lettuce, shredded red cabbage and heirloom tomato for me. My husband was SHOCKED at how filling it was -- I loved it! Definitely adding to the rotation!
Really loved this recipe! Made it without the bell peppers (had none on hand) and splashed in some of the pickle juice in lieu of salt. Shredded half a carrot in too. Perfect summer lunch -- a definite must-make!
I made little changes like leaving out the celery (Don’t like celery). This recipe was so refreshing and good. Perfect sandwich for the weekendS. Very tasty and a perfect blend of flavors. Must try and will be my go to summer sandwich.
Ramona says
Oh my word! This is absolutely delicious! Gives a similar mouthfeel to mayo! What a brilliant recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Yesss love this, Ramona!!
Tani says
Delicious! It’s delicious as a sandwich, but I usually serve it on top of lettuce or with a tomato cut in wedges.
Your recipes are so good! Thank you!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
You made my day, thanks so much Tani!
Kitty says
Very yummy! Definitely makes more than 2 servings, we had leftovers, which is never a bad thing. It was crumbly and a bit dry, so I added a bit of pickle juice and doubled the mustard. We will definitely keep this recipe on hand for an easy, healthy lunch!
Lauren Tonti says
Love this so much! Can’t how many times I’ve made it and I always come back for more!
Alexis Joseph says
What sammie dreams are made of!!
Caroll Flores says
L.O. V. E. !!!
Super easy, super delicious & super customizable. Definitely will be making again and again. Made it exactly as written (yummm) but since I like my sandwich crunchy, I’ll try chopping the carrots next time instead of grating. Maybe I’ll roll up in a tortilla or eat as a salad for the next time.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Alexis Joseph says
Yayyy I'm so glad this was a winner, Caroll!! Thanks so much 🙂
Meg Smith says
Delicious! Love this and so easy to vary ingredients with what is on hand.
Alexis says
Awesome, thanks Meg!
Julia says
The best chickpea salad EVER! It's so hard to find a good chickpea salad that doesn't use vegan mayo, but this is it! It's super customizable too, I can't get enough of this.
Alexis Joseph says
Wonderful! Agreed--vegan mayo is the obvious choice but it's fun to switch it up. Thanks, Julia!
granny says
Really loved this recipe! Made it without the bell peppers (had none on hand) and splashed in some of the pickle juice in lieu of salt. Shredded half a carrot in too. Perfect summer lunch — a definite must-make!
Alexis Joseph says
Mmmm love me some pickle juice! Good call. Thanks for reviewing!
Taylor says
SO good! Made it as a sandwich for my husband and served it over butter lettuce, shredded red cabbage and heirloom tomato for me. My husband was SHOCKED at how filling it was -- I loved it! Definitely adding to the rotation!
Alexis Joseph says
Mmmm yum! I'm so glad you and your husband loved it for lunch, and thank you for coming back to let me know!
Ani says
Really loved this recipe! Made it without the bell peppers (had none on hand) and splashed in some of the pickle juice in lieu of salt. Shredded half a carrot in too. Perfect summer lunch -- a definite must-make!
Alexis Joseph says
OMG pickle juice is soooo good in stuff like this. Thanks for letting me know you loved it, Ani!
Dtate says
I made little changes like leaving out the celery (Don’t like celery). This recipe was so refreshing and good. Perfect sandwich for the weekendS. Very tasty and a perfect blend of flavors. Must try and will be my go to summer sandwich.
Alexis Joseph says
I love that you made it your own! Thanks for letting me know!
Alexis Joseph says
Thanks Sarah, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it for lunch!
Erin says
Just made this for lunch but with two cans of tuna instead because that is all I have on hand. It is great! Thanks Alexis!
Alexis Joseph says
I love it! Way to make it your own. Thanks for letting me know, Erin!