Vegan chickpea tuna salad

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chickpeas:**
– In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the chickpeas. You want to mash about half of the chickpeas while leaving some of them intact for texture. This will give the salad a chunky yet creamy consistency that mimics tuna.

2. **Add the Vegetables:**
– Add the chopped **celery**, **red onion**, and **pickles** to the mashed chickpeas. Stir to combine. The celery and onion will add crunch and flavor, while the pickles give a delightful tanginess.

3. **Make the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl, combine the **vegan mayo**, **Dijon mustard**, and **fresh lemon juice**. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

4. **Assemble the Salad:**
– Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Add the **fresh herbs** (parsley, dill, or chives) and mix until fully incorporated.

5. **Season and Adjust:**
– Taste the salad and add **salt** and **pepper** as needed. You can also add more lemon juice or mustard to adjust the flavor to your liking.

6. **Chill and Serve:**
– For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. However, this salad can be eaten immediately if you’re short on time. It’s delicious both cold or at room temperature.

### **Serving Ideas**

Once your **Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad** is ready, there are many ways to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas to serve it:

– **On Sandwiches or Wraps:** Spread the chickpea tuna salad on whole-grain bread or in a lettuce wrap for a satisfying sandwich or wrap.
– **On a Bed of Greens:** Serve the salad over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or arugula, for a refreshing, light meal.
– **In a Pita Pocket:** For a quick and easy meal, stuff the chickpea tuna salad into a pita pocket along with some sliced veggies.
– **With Crackers or Veggies:** Use the salad as a dip for crackers, celery sticks, or cucumber slices for a healthy snack or appetizer.

### **Why Choose Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad?**

The **Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad** is not only a healthier alternative to traditional tuna salad, but it’s also an environmentally-friendly choice. Tuna fishing often comes with negative environmental consequences, such as overfishing, damage to marine ecosystems, and bycatch. By choosing plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, you’re helping reduce the strain on the environment while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Additionally, this recipe is naturally **dairy-free**, **egg-free**, and **cholesterol-free**, making it a heart-healthy option for anyone looking to improve their diet. It’s also suitable for **gluten-free** eaters, as long as you pair it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

### **Conclusion**

The **Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad** is an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal that provides all the flavors and textures you love from traditional tuna salad without any of the downsides. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, this salad is an excellent choice. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for meal prep or to whip up on a busy day. So, next time you’re craving a tuna salad, give this **Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad** a try—you’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying plant-based ingredients can be!