In this vegan version of a tuna salad sandwich, the savory chickpea filling gets extra tang from pickles, red onion, and capers. Mayonnaise is replaced by a creamy mixture of tahini and Dijon mustard to deliver crave-worthy flavor while diced celery and pickles give it a tasty crunch. Serve between two slices of your favorite whole wheat bread for a simple yet satisfying meal. The mixture will keep well covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, which makes it great for quick, weekday lunches!

Ingredient

FOR THE SALAD:

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup diced pickle
• 1 teaspoon capers, drained and loosely chopped
• Healthy pinch each sea salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon roasted unsalted sunflower seeds (optional)

FOR SERVING:

• 8 slices whole-wheat bread
• Dijon or spicy brown mustard
• Romaine lettuce
• Tomato, sliced
• Red onion, sliced

Direction

• Place the chickpeas in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork, leaving only a few beans whole.
• Add tahini, mustard, maple syrup, red onion, celery, pickle, capers, salt and pepper, and sunflower seeds (if using) to mixing bowl. Mix to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Toast bread if desired, and prepare any other desired sandwich toppings (such as lettuce, tomato, and onion).
• Scoop a healthy amount of the chickpea mixture (about ½ cup) onto one slice of bread, add desired toppings and top with second slice of bread. Repeat for additional sandwiches.