Tangy Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with dill and spicy mustard makes a delicious vegetarian dip, spread or try it with Multigrain Sourdough Bread as a sandwich! Like my Vegan Pimento Cheese chickpea sandwich, this smash up is ideal for a week-day lunch, weekend picnic or potluck! This recipe is vegan or vegetarian and easily gluten free.
How’s Your Week Shaping Up?
How’s your week going? Have you spent some time in sunshine, maybe planting flowers, or getting some good long walks in?
I wish I could say I have planted an ever blooming flower garden, but instead, I’ve been pulling weeds. Lots and lots of weeds. They just keep comin’. They all come out by hand or shovel. No chemicals around here. No way. Not ever. No amount of convenience is worth it.
Summer Gardening
Pulling weeds is good for the soul anyway. It’s kinda like cleaning out the psychological junk, yanking, pulling, then discarding it. Some of it’s so hard to dig out, but I just keep digging until I get to the root of it. The weeds couldn’t have shown up at a better time really, because I’ve needed the therapy. I am grateful. It feels good and the yard and garden is beautiful again, once Spring clean-up is done.
This is when I love to plant flowers. It’s usually around my birthday in May when this happens. It’s an event. Rob and I take the truck down to the nursery, stop and grab a coffee — we’ll need the stamina — and spend a lingering afternoon walking through the greenhouse amongst the dizzying array of annuals, comparing and choosing from the vibrant flowers and trailing pot stuffers. It’s something I look forward to every year.
But, until then, let’s talk about this Smashed Chickpea Sandwich.
Time for an Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich Recipe!
Who would have ever thought of a chickpea sandwich in non-hummus form? Chickpeas are somewhat like cashews and cauliflower, forever versatile and delicious in their own right. And as with the former, I continue to find new ways to enjoy and prepare chickpeas, like in this Buffalo Chickpea Salad Wrap for example.
When smashed, they’re tender and can take on just about any flavor incorporated with them. Rob seems to think Smashed Chickpea Salad looks like tuna salad or a chickpea egg salad. I mimicked the flavors of my favorite Deviled Egg Salad, but you be the judge!
What matters is how delicious this vegan chickpea smash tastes between two pieces of Homemade Multigrain Bread. It has a creamy yet sturdy texture with a bit of spice from the mustard and tang from the vinegar. There’s a bit of crunch here and there from the onion and pickle, and the dill adds a touch of freshness.
For even better flavor and texture, try cooking your chickpeas from scratch!
Not surprisingly, this salad tastes better the second day, after the flavors have a chance to fully incorporate. It’s a perfect salad in preparation for a picnic, the lunchbox, or potluck.
As a sandwich, it pairs with any favorite veggies. I prefer sprouts, kale, and carrots, but it’s just as good with lettuce and tomato or whatever veggies you love to pile on. The best part… the salad only takes 10 minutes to pull together!
Easy. Peasy. These smash ups are definitely a record around here!
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Watch a Video to See How Easy this Chickpea Smash is to Make!
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More Vegetarian Sandwiches to Love
- Grilled Veggie Sandwich with Pesto Mayo
- Smashed Chickpea Salad with Pecans and Grapes.
- Pulled Portobello BBQ Sandwiches
- Italian Pressed Sandwich with Olive Tapenade
- Roasted Beet and Sauerkraut Sandwich
- Almond-Sage Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
10 Minute Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 (425g) Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed (aka Garbanzo) or use home cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 C + 1 Tbs (55g) Dill Pickles finely chopped
- 1/4 C (35g) Purple Onion finely chopped, about 1/2 an onion
- 2 Tbs (30g) Just Mayo or Vegenaise or mayo of choice
- 2 1/2 tsp Stone Ground Mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar or pickle juice
- 1/4 + 1/8 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 2 tsp Fresh Dill fresh-chopped
- 1/8 tsp Ground Turmeric optional for color
- 8-10 grinds of fresh Black Pepper
For the Sandwich (options):
- Multigrain Bread or Optional Gluten Free Bread or Gluten Free Bread
- Sprouts
- Kale
- Shredded Carrots
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Using a potato masher, rough-mash the chickpeas until most is smashed but there are still some whole chickpeas left. Add the pickles, onion, mayo, mustard, vinegar, salt, dill, optional turmeric and black pepper. Mix well. Taste for seasoning adjustment.
- Store in a covered container for up to two days. Delicious alone or piled high on multigrain with accompanying veggies.
After looking to a dozen different recipes and attempting to create my own at different times, I am going to make this and take it to our church potluck tomorrow. I will let you know the reviews. :)
Oooh! I hope you and your friends enjoy it Topaz!
I like this version better than the one in my vegan cookbook, as it just had too much stuff in it. This is perfect. I used Dijon mustard, apricot smoked salt, and sweet yellow onion because it was what I had on hand. It was good in a spoonful, but I can’t wait to try it as sandwich for my dinner at work tonight. I’ll be serving it on my mom’s homemade sourdough bread with some leaf lettuce.
Thank you for coming back and leaving a note Ciarra! So happy to read. It’s SO perfect on homemade sourdough!
This is amazing!! Like egg salad but way better. Thank you!!
SO happy to hear, Michelle! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note! :D
This recipe is perfect for all occasions and audiences and I wish I could give it 7/10 stars. I’ve made it for picky eaters (students in a special needs class), winery hopping, and for a family in mourning. EVERYONE so far has asked for the recipe (yes, even the students). It’s a crowd pleaser, cheap, and easy. What’s not to love?
I have been vegan for 27 years as of August. I am always making up recipes as I am usually raw. I came across this recipe and it blew me away! Absolutely delicious! I left out the ACV and used a teaspoon of 100 percent maple syrup instead. Also put the pickles on the side. OMG, so yummy! Thank you so much! I am one that eats for health, not really enjoyment. I have been that way since I was a little girl. This I am eating with pure joy!! Even my German Shepard Klaus was begging for some!!
OMScience this is delicious!!!! I’ve made it so many times & in so many variations, I had to comment. Thank you sooo much for posting & pushing the Vegan addenda of love equality & respect for animals & our beautiful Earth through amazing recipes. Thank you for being a part of the Vegan movement.
I never comment on blog posts-this is the first time ever! But I just HAD to come here and say that this recipe is just fabulous! I wanted to share my one add in to this: pine nuts! I chopped everything in a manual food processor and threw in a generous amount of pine nuts. They add a soft crunch (is that a thing?) and subtle nutty flavor and it’s just perfect. This makes an amazing dip with some blue corn or sweet potato corn chips. Thanks for my new favorite lunch!
Hi Shelby! So happy to read your note and grateful you wrote it! I’m just going to have to toss a few pine nuts in next time I whip this up! Sounds SO good! And YESSSS to the dip!!
Great idea about adding pine nuts – I absolutely love them – I wonder if roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds would also be nice in there.
I actually add pomegranate seeds when they are in season and serve in celery boats – the pomegranate turns the spread a grey colour though – so I only add it at the very last minute on top!
Such a great idea Anga about the celery boats and poms! Love it! I think sunflower seeds would be a fabulous addition! Thank you for your note!
I made this for dinner last night, piled high between a couple of slices of Ezekinl bread, and it is DELICIOUS!
I made my own vegan mayo and a side of roasted potatoes. So good.
Hooray hoorayyYY! Rosie!! Sounds amazing with those roasted potatoes!
Woah this is really good, eating it right now. The only thing is though, I think I might have to reduce the amount of mustard- wooooo weee that is spicy!!! It’s like a stinging slow burn and I just want to eat more but is hurts 😩 lol
Wow! I’m a collegiate long distance runner and I’m always looking for new and healthy recipes to try. Made this for lunch after my run on rye bread and it was so good! Love the flavor of the dressing. Thanks for the recipe :)
Hooray! So happy to hear, Elin! On rye bread? Sublime! Thank you for your tip! :D
Newbie here trying out vegan recipes. Made it this morning for breakfast and put together a sandwich with tomato and mung bean sprouts. WOW! So good. Ate half and was really pleased…but then thought, hey how about some hot sauce (love me some hot sauce) so added a few drops to the other half of the Sammy and again…WOW!
Thank you for thus recipe :)
OMGee, Lisa, Hot Sauce! Yes Please! So happy you stopped by, tried a new recipe and wrote a comment! Thank you!
Made this for breakfast and lunch it was delish. i did not have tumeric powder so i used curry powder, and a little red pepper flakes<celery,and green bell pepper what a great and wonderful dish the possibilities are endless. Thank you
Hi Sarah! Love the curry pow sub, red pepper, celery and green bell! So much goodness and versatility. Thank you for your note!
FLAVOUR, FLAVOUR, FLAVOUR!!!!!! Mmmm…SOOO good!!!
OK, I love this recipe!!!
So simple!
I was so pleased that I had all of the ingredients on hand!
THANK YOU! :)
Hoooray, HOORAY Barbie! So happy you love it and thank you for your note!
After eyeing this yummy looking sandwich for a longgg time I finally got around to making it and am glad I did! It’s so so good! Not only is it flavorful the textures are nice, it’s pretty, and healthy! Thank you Traci :)
Thank you for your note, Elizabeth! Healthy, easy and fast… Thank you for your note! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! :D
usually never comment but DAMN this was so so good! and so easy to make
thank you so much!
Lol! Thank you Em! So happy you like it! :D
Omg delish. Quick and simple, yet so much flavor. So glad I found this recipe, you rock.
Hooray! Thank you so much for your note and kind words Christina! :D
Okay, this is freaking amazing! Just made it. I should mention that I am not a plant based eater, but do try to limit how much meat I eat. I work out regularly and struggle with what to have for lunch during the week. I need protein in the middle of the day, but like to skip the turkey hoagies or other standard lunch fare that finds it way into our office lunch room.
Smashed Chickpea Salad–YES PLEASE!!!
This is just fantastic. It took everything I had not to eat it straight out of the bowl while my bread was toasting.
Thank you so much! Great recipe!
Hehe! Your note made me giggle, Elizabeth! Hooray! A fast, protein filled lunch for you! YES PLEASE! I completely understand… You’re so welcome! :D
This is one of my favorite sandwich recipes. It is health, flavorful, delicious and easy to make. It’s one of my go-to recipes.
Thank you for your note Nancy! So glad you’re enjoying the sandwich! :D
Let’s just say that I’ve made this recipe (without pickles because I didn’t have any in the house) twice this week. I took a salad to work today and kept thinking about this recipe. It’s the most delicious sandwich I’ve ever had since I started eating plant-based two weeks ago. Thank you from the bottom of this teacher’s heart!!!! Y U M !
I have a soft spot in my heart for teachers, Lisa <3 So happy you're enjoying this sandwich.. but just wait until you add pickles. Really. It takes it over the top!! Thank you for your note! :D
I just discovered your site and this is the first recipe of yours that I made and it was delicious! Very excited to explore more of your creations :) This recipe will be on file for future use – over and over..
Thank you!
Hi Marin! Welcome and thank you for your kind words :D So happy you’re enjoying this smash up! :D
Traci-thanks so much for re-posting this recipe! We made a batch of it at the lake this past weekend & served “open faced” on a nice, wholegrain bread as an appetizer/snack. Huge hit! I’ve passed your website on to a few folks already. Keep up the great work! Monica
Hi Monica! You’re welcome! Thank you so much for your note and sharing the blog with others! Much appreciated!
I absolutely love this recipe! I ate the entire thing for two meals today. But I’m a little afraid to love it “too” much because of the calories..I’ve seen it listed anywhere from 645 to 1,009 for this! Any idea what the nutrition/calorie count is for this without bread?
Hey Heather! Thank you for your note. I’m so glad you love the recipe! I don’t know the nutrition/calorie count for this recipe. There are online calculators available however. My can of chickpeas say 120 calories per serving (3 servings) so with just a few other things added, I can’t see how this recipe would reach into the range of 645 to 1009 per serving. But again, I just don’t know.
I tried this recipe and fell in love with it. Ientered all the ingredients on my phone ap.(Mynetdiary) and it added up 518 calories For the complete recipe.
So happy to hear! Thank you for your note, Terry!
Hello, I’m interested in making this, but I would make it for meal prep so it would last for 5 days. Since your recipe says that it lasts 2 days in the fridge I was wondering if you know how well this freezes so I can eat it the entire week. If you have any other suggestions for how I could make this work for five days I’d appreciate hearing it!
Thanks.
Hi Christine! Thank you for your note. It probably lasts up to three days in the fridge, but it just wont be as ‘fresh.’ I include optimal eating times in my recipes, rather than how long before it’s just not edible. Does that make sense? I’ve not tried freezing this recipe, but you could give it a go. If you do, please let us know how it works for you!
This recipe is amazing, I came across it last week and made a batch last night, I’m already using the leftovers as a dip so delicious and filling. Easily a new staple recipe.
Hey Cheyenne! Thank you for your note! Hooray for an easy new staple recipe… SO happy you’re enjoying this! :D
Wow! I can’t believe how tasty my sandwich was! The turmeric gives it that extra flavor. I would have never thought to use turmeric outside of my curries. Along with the chickpea mixture, I also topped my sandwich off with avocados, carrots, and mushrooms. I will definitely keep this in my lunchtime rotations!
Hooray Ang! Thank you for sharing your additions and your kind comment. I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recipe! Who knew – turmeric! Yay!
Saw this recipe on Pinterest last night about midnight. Got up this morning, got the ingredients together, made is and had half a sandwich for breakfast with a cup of coffee. I loved it. I am a new plant based eater and this recipe will help me stick to it. I cannot wait to try more of your recipes. I am am happy today.
Good Morning Jan! Thank you for your note.. I’m SO happy you enjoyed the recipe.. this one is a favorite around here! I think it tends to get better with an overnight rest too! :D
I have made this twice now and I am in love with it! I can’t get enough! Even the nurses at work have fallen in love with it and I had to send them all the recipe. Thank you so much!
Day made, Emilie! Thank you so much for sharing and enjoying this delicious recipe! :D
I, too, have made this recipe again and as per your instructions, let it set in the fridge overnight. I still enjoyed it as much as the first. This time I added a little celery. Liked the added crunch. Thanks again for the delightful recipe.
This is wonderful! I try to eat vegan as much possible and was really missing egg salad! This such a great substitute. Made 8 sandwiches for a float trip yesterday and they were a hit. Thanks for sharing this!
Perfect for a Spring float trip! Hooray! So happy to hear Sharon and what fun! This sandwich is one of my favorites to take to the great outdoors with me! SO happy everyone enjoyed it! :D
Just whipped up a batch of this for dinner. So delicious! So easy! As a long time vegetarian, I am always looking for new and tasty things and this one definitely makes the list. Thank you!
Hooray! Thank you for your note Laura. So happy you enjoyed it! :D
I just tried this recipe tonight and it is amazingly good! I added some pickle juice for good measure. Thanks so much!
Oooh I like the pickle juice! So happy you enjoyed it ij. Thank you for sharing.
Let me just say this I had to come home to make this chickpea salad, I will tell you this while I take a huge breath AMAZING . You keep the great food ideas coming. My new go to food.
Hey Tracy! Your note totally cracked me up! LOL! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it… I love it too! Thank you for sharing and trying out the recipes!
Just had to comment because this chickpea salad is SO GOOD! I saw it on Pinterest and thought I’d give it a try for dinner tonight, and wow. Having been a vegetarian since I was a kid I can tell you this chickpea filling ranks among some of the best sandwiches I’ve had! :)
That said, the chickpeas didn’t make it on to bread as I shovelled it in with cucumber slices and potato chips…
Hahahaaa! I cracked up reading this, Kirsti! OMG… I completely get it! SO good… And with potato chips? Now I GOTTA try that! Kettle with black pepper would be over the top! LOL! :D
In a great attempt to be vegan, I skipped the typical tuna salad, grabbed some garbanzo beans and followed this recipe. Boy am I glad I did. Took about 10 minutes and its delicious. Thank you for this recipe! Will be making it again.
Surprising, yeah? I hear you Maryam! So happy you tried it and will be making it again! We love it too! :D
My husband and I are trying to eat meatless Monday-Friday, but our biggest hindrance is lunch meat sine it is so quick and easy to pack a sandwich. We made this today during weekly meal prep (using pressure cooker chickpeas instead of canned). THIS RECIPE IS DELICIOUS! It might just be the solution we need to adhere to our diet! Thank you for the awesome recipe! (Note: I omitted onion due to my husband’s preference and added a few shakes of Tabasco to kick it up a notch!)
Did anyone ever calculate the Weight Watcher points in this?
26 for the entire recipe of salad
Is this four servings. I could not find it in the original recipe.
The original recipe yields two servings.
Absolutely love this recipe! Easy to prepare and easy to grab and bring to work. Fairly healthy too. I make it regularly now; sometimes I add pickle juice instead of the ACV. Thanks for the recipe!
We really enjoyed this – so flavorful! We added some lemon juice and other veg, like cucumber and red peppers. We had open faced with gluten-free English muffins with romaine and tomato slices with avocado on the side and extra pickles. We love pickles! Thanks so much!
I am just transitioning to becoming vegan and have been finding it somewhat difficult to find recipes that I really enjoy. I saw this recipe and decided to give it a try since it looked so good. I have to say I was hesitant because I’m not too big on spices in my food, but this sandwich is soooo amazing! It was delicious and so easy to prepare. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your recipe, it is going to be something I make regularly. If you haven’t tried it yet, go for it! Your only regret will be not having more.
Hooray, Kathryn! This makes me soooo happy! Yay YOU for making the transition and trying new recipes!
This recipe sounds delicious! I am looking forward to trying it this week! I also couldn’t help but admire your napkin/dish towel. Would you mind sharing where it is from? Thanks!!
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it. I’ve had this towel for years. If I recall correctly, I think I got it at Crate and Barrel. I hope this helps!
Traci-
I love this recipe! I’ve made it a TON, for all kinds of events: dinner or lunch, we had it as a dip with the “Food should taste goo” tortilla chips while boating last summer and as an elegant vegetarian option at my sister’s wedding brunch! Thanks so much!
Hooray Diana! This makes me so happy and I appreciate your report! No doubt this is a versatile recipe and a crowd pleaser. It’s a take with you anywhere type of salad… It made it’s way to my first picnic of the season just last week! I adore this recipe too. Thank you so much! :D
Love this recipe! This will be a new staple for my fiance’s packed lunches. I can’t wait for summer so I can add some garden fresh veggies on this sandwich. If anyone out there wonders, I made it with regular mayo and it turned out great. But next time I might try it with hummus just to see. I’m actually excited to make this again and substitute ingredients depending on what we have in the fridge! Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for sharing, Milena and for sharing your tips on making this with ingredients you have on hand! No doubt, a versatile recipe! :D
This was absolutely fantastic. So flavorful and filling!! I also just wanted to say I love it when people give weight measurements in their recipes, since volume measurements can differ. I was a little confused on the Vegenaise measurement of 114g though. I ended up just using what the jar measurement says (1 Tbsp= 14g) and doubled that for 28 grams total. It turned out delicious :) Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!!!
Hooray Angel! SO happy you enjoyed the recipe!! Thank you for pointing out my 114g error. Oh My – this would be so different with that much mayo in it. I’ve since fixed it. I’m happy to know you’re using the weight measurements. This helps me know what to include in my recipes moving forward! Thank you for sharing my dear! :D
I’ve made this twice and it is my go-to sandwich filling for lunch. Especially good on a wrap with goats cheese and roasted sweet potato!
Hey Ange! Sounds sooo good with a bit of goat cheese and sweet potato! What a nourishing lunch! Thank you for sharing my dear!
Love this recipe! I had a really ripe avocado sitting on my counter so I substituted half of that for the vegan mayo and it turned out great! This has the consistency of chicken salad, it’s so good!
Hi Emily! What a nourishing and delicious adaptation! That avocado adds so much more to this sandwich! Thank you for sharing my dear! SO happy you love it! :D
Hi Traci! I’m a new subscriber to your blog and I’m so happy to have found it! I’m in the process of converting to a mainly vegan/vegetarian diet (with some occasional dairy and fish as a rare treat :)
In an effort to prepare a quick lunch and use up a lonely tin of chick peas in the cupboard I typed ‘chick pea’ into your search engine and voila! YUM!
In an effort to curb my food/grocery spending habits I used what I had in the fridge and cupboard so added some freshly chopped parsley instead of dill and some chopped green olives and capers instead of the pickles :)
Teamed it with yeast free Spelt flour bread and some chopped lettuce. Sooo yummy, wholesome and really filling!
Thanks so much again for the recipe and keep up the great work with this beautiful blog :)
Obsessed. I eat this often, perfect with sweet potato fries!
Hooray!! Thank you, Dawn! And oh, I’ll have to give it a go with SPF!! :D
OMG!!! this recipe is amazing got everyone hooked ! This will be a staple from now on in my house :)
Hehe… Hi Simone. It’s a favorite for sure around here! Thank you my dear, and I hope you enjoy it! :D
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I made it following the recipe then tasted it… I HAD to make a double batch. I also made it to have for dinner later tonight and I’m not sure I will be able to wait. This will now be a regular meal in our house!
Thank you for posting an incredible vegan recipe!!!
YUM!
Hooray! So happy to hear this Kerry and thank you for sharing your success! Good thing it whips up fast and easy… another batch is always just a bit of work away! :D
Whipped this up while I should have been getting ready for work ! OMG awesome stuff, I did not have vegenaise so just mashed some avo into mix instead. So good will definately be making this again and again !!!! You could also take down a little smoother and use as dip for veggies or crackers. Oppsy better go get ready for work ;)
Oooh, the avo sounds fabulous, Kaz! And using it as a dip for veggies or crackers is a delicious idea! Thank you for sharing Kaz! :D
Awesome! I’ve been missing tuna mayo sandwich ever since I’m a vegetarian. This alternative is so perfectly matching my craving!
I had to adapt a bit : Used white beans because I had no chickpeas on hand. I also added some capers and replaced vinegar with lemon juice. I just thought : what would I want in a tuna sandwich, and it turned out great.
I’ll post the adapted recipe on my blog with a link to you :)
Oh this is so good to hear, Fleanette! Would love to see your version on your blog! Please let me know, and thank you for sharing your modifications! So happy you enjoyed it! :D
This was incredible. It’s no doubt a new staple in our diet. Tangy, crunchy, smooth … all in one bite. Thank you for sharing this.
Woot woot! Thank you for sharing, Ron! So happy to hear! :D
This was really great! It’s like a dub on egg salad. I used to love egg salad before I became vegan, and now I have this. It’s really amazing.
Even if you don’t like creamy things like me, you can add less mayo and it’ll still be great.
I added some dill pickle juice, too! lol
Overall, this is so great and really easy :)
Thanks so much for sharing, Gwynneth! Day made! Great tip on the pickle juice :D !
…..I have no words other than THANK YOU for posting this!!!!!! How awesome to find a yummy and easy/quick lunch to make for the week; you really hit the nail on the head with this. It reminds me of my childhood, except it tastes BETTER than any chicken salad I have ever had. My husband and I have recently started a vegan lifestyle and finding recipes/ideas like this make the transition oh so easy. I have even shared this with my not-so-healthy mother in hopes she sees how easy it is to make comfort foods healthy :) Thank you so much again!! <3<3<3
You are most welcome Kristin! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! And yes, childhood. I get it. :D
As a fellow weed puller, thank you! I sometimes think my neighbors must think we are a little loopy out there pulling our weeds by hand, no chemicals. But it is so worth it! I wish more people would see how easy it is to not use the chemicals… But the lure of a perfect garden and lawn is powerful in this country. A waste of time and so, so bad. Off the soapbox, I have to say, I really love the look of that sandwich! Might just be lunch today, after an hour or so of weeding :)