Vegan Tuna Salad Spread (Easy Chickpea Sandwich Filling)

This vegan tuna salad might sound surprising at first, but one bite and you’ll understand why it’s become such a popular plant-based classic.

Mashed chickpeas create the perfect texture, while nori adds a subtle seafood flavor that makes this spread remarkably similar to traditional tuna salad. Combined with crunchy celery, pickles, red onion, and a creamy dressing, it makes an easy, protein-packed filling for sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and more.

Best of all, it comes together in just minutes and keeps well in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Quick and easy to make
• Great for meal prep
• Packed with plant-based protein
• Delicious in sandwiches and wraps

How to Use This Vegan Tuna Salad

This versatile spread works in so many different ways:

• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Lunch bowls
• Stuffed baked potatoes
• Crackers and toast
• Lettuce cups

It’s one of those recipes that’s worth keeping in the fridge because it can instantly turn simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Meal Prep Tip

Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

It’s perfect for quick work lunches, easy sandwiches, or assembling a healthy bowl in minutes.

Why Nori Makes Such a Difference

Nori is the secret ingredient that gives this spread its signature “tuna-like” flavor.

Don’t worry if you’ve never used it outside of sushi—combined with chickpeas, soy sauce, and creamy mayo, it adds just enough ocean-inspired flavor without overpowering the recipe.

Serving Ideas

Try it:

• In a wrap with lettuce and avocado
• On sourdough toast with sliced cucumber
• In a grain bowl with roasted vegetables
• Stuffed into baked potatoes
• As a high-protein sandwich filling

This vegan tuna salad spread is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—a simple recipe that makes lunches easier all week long.

Chickpeas, please!

Vegan Tuna Salad Spread

Easy chickpea sandwich filling

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Lunch

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1 celery stalk thinly sliced
• 2 pickles diced
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise vegan or regular
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 sheet nori
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• black pepper to taste
• salt to taste

Method

 

1. Tear the nori sheet into small pieces, cover with a little water, and let it soak while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2. Dice the red onion and pickles. Thinly slice the celery.
3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
4. Add the chickpeas, onion, pickles, celery, mayonnaise, mustard, soaked nori, and soy sauce to a food processor.
5. Pulse a few times until combined. For the best tuna salad texture, leave some chunks of chickpeas and vegetables visible. If you prefer a smoother spread, blend longer.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.