Description
This Chickpea Chicken Salad is a quick, nutritious, and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional chicken salad. Combining mashed chickpeas with fresh veggies and zesty seasonings, it makes a perfect light lunch or snack served in lettuce wraps, on gluten-free bread, or as a salad topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15 oz can reduced-sodium chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 rib celery (minced)
- 1/4 cup minced pickles
- 1/4 cup minced shallot or onion
- 2-4 Tablespoons regular or vegan mayonnaise (adjust to creaminess preference)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh dill OR 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Serving Suggestions
- Lettuce wraps or cups
- Mixed greens
- Gluten-free pita bread
- Gluten-free toast
- Gluten-free crackers
Instructions
- Smash Chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, smash about three-quarters of the chickpeas until they reach a chunky consistency, leaving some whole for texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the minced celery, pickles, shallots or onions, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill to the mashed chickpeas. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more mayonnaise for creaminess or lemon juice for brightness, as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the chickpea chicken salad in your choice of lettuce wraps or cups, on a bed of mixed greens, or alongside gluten-free pita, toast, or crackers for a satisfying meal or snack.
Notes
- Use vegan mayonnaise to keep this recipe plant-based.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken if desired.
- Fresh dill adds a brighter flavor compared to dried dill, but both work well.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity according to your preferred creaminess level.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spiced twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
