Tuna-Free “Mock Tuna” Salad using chickpeas

[Melissa Burnell]

Tuna-Free “Mock Tuna” Salad using chickpeas — it’s creamy, crunchy, protein-packed, and totally plant-based.

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🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
• 2–3 tbsp vegan mayo (or regular mayo if not vegan)
• 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1–2 tbsp finely diced red onion
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp dill relish or chopped pickles
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins: dash of garlic powder, kelp granules (for “sea” flavor), fresh parsley

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🥣 Directions:

1. Mash chickpeas
   Place the chickpeas in a medium bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them. Leave a few chunks for texture.
2. Add the mix-ins
   Stir in mayo, mustard, lemon juice, onion, celery, and relish.
3. Season it
   Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices or herbs you like.
4. Chill & serve
   Let it sit for 10–15 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve it on toast, in lettuce wraps, pita pockets, or with crackers.

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🥪 Why It Works:

The chickpeas mimic the flaked texture of tuna, and the combo of creamy, tangy, and crunchy ingredients nails that classic tuna salad flavor — without the fish.

 

🌶️ Spicy Chickpea “Tuna” Salad

Perfect if you like a kick.

Add to the base recipe:

• 1–2 tsp Sriracha or hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Optional: diced jalapeños

Best served: in a wrap with shredded lettuce or on spicy crackers.

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🌿 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Fresh and herb-packed with bold flavor.

Swap/Add:

• Use olive oil instead of mayo
• Add 1/4 cup diced cucumbers
• Add 2 tbsp chopped kalamata olives
• Add 1 tbsp capers
• Add 1/2 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
• Optional: sprinkle of feta cheese (if not vegan)

Best served: in pita bread or on top of a mixed greens salad.

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🍛 Curried Chickpea “Tuna” Salad

Warm, earthy, and unique.

Add to the base recipe:

• 1 1/2 tsp yellow curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp grated carrots
• 1 tbsp raisins or chopped apple for sweetness

Best served: in a sandwich or lettuce cups with sliced almonds on top.

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