Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad
Updated Aug 09, 2025
This easy chickpea 'tuna' salad recipe is made with canned chickpeas, Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables, and fresh herbs. It's ready in just 10 minutes!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Table of contents
Make easy chickpea ‘tuna’ salad!
This Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad is a great alternative to the traditional; the tuna is replaced with mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian recipe that is rich in protein, full of fiber, and easy to make. It takes me just 10 minutes to make, and I serve it just like tuna or chicken salad on bib lettuce, sliced bread, or in a wrap.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad Ingredients
- Chickpeas: I like to use low-sodium canned chickpeas and incorporate some of the liquid (aquafaba) into the salad. If you have the time, cook the chickpeas from dry, and reserve some soaking liquid before draining.
- Yogurt: I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. To make a vegan chickpea tuna salad recipe, use a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
- Shallot: Shallots are my favorite onion for this recipe because they have a mild flavor, but any onion works.
- Celery: Finely dice.
- Tahini: Make sure to stir it well before adding to the dressing.
- Lemon: This recipe uses both lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Dijon mustard: I like the sharpness and tanginess of Dijon mustard here, but any variety works depending on your tastes. Or, skip the mustard altogether and substitute a dill relish.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh dill, salt, and pepper. You can use any herbs you like.
How to Make Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad
Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad Recipe
This easy chickpea 'tuna' salad recipe is made with canned chickpeas, Greek yogurt, fresh vegetables, and fresh herbs. It's ready in just 10 minutes!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce can chickpeas
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 shallot diced
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the can. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas and reserved liquid. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the chickpeas to your desired consistency. Add celery and shallots, folding them together until incorporated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. When the dressing is smooth, pour it over the chickpeas. Add the dill and mix everything together until combined. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may separate a little while it sits, so give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
Nutrition
Calories: 408kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 211mg, Potassium: 706mg, Fiber: 17g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 91IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 135mg, Iron: 7mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Recipe Tips
- Save the aquafaba! Aquafaba, or the liquid in a can of chickpeas, has many uses. I like to use it in this recipe to give the chickpeas a creamy consistency and make them easier to mash. You can also add a little to your blender when making hummus for a super smooth finish.
- Don’t over-mash the chickpeas. You want them to have a mashed but chunky consistency. Don’t let them get as smooth as hummus.
- Let the salad rest first. You can dive right in, but if you allow the chickpea salad to chill in the fridge for a few hours, the flavors will develop more over time.
Serving Ideas
- Turn into a sandwich. Serve it on pita bread, flatbread, or dinner rolls, or enjoy it in a lettuce wrap.
- Soup: Chicken Lemon Rice Soup, Carrot Ginger Soup, Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
- Salad: Pear Kale Salad, Kale Farro and Feta Salad, Caesar Salad with Brussels Sprouts
- Veggie chips: Baked Sweet Potato Chips, Crispy Zucchini Chips, Kale Chips
Comments
Made this for lunch this week and enjoyed it stuffed inside pita pockets. So good! The only thing I changed is I added some dill pickle relish because that’s a must for me in tuna salad. Otherwise I followed the recipe as written and will definitely be making again!
Love the addition of relish, thanks for sharing!
Made this for lunch today, and it was delicious! Didn’t have a shallot or fresh dill so I swapped in 1/3 of a finely diced red onion and some fresh parsley. Threw in some capers and a bit of their juice, YUM. Thanks for a fabulous recipe!
Oo, capers sound amazing in this! Great idea!
Would this work with regular plain yogurt?
Hi Reem! It will! It might be a little less creamy than if you had used Greek yogurt, but it will still be yummy! Hope you enjoy!
This recipe is mind blowing! I have replaced Tuna with sprouted moong as I am vegetarian. The taste is amazing.
Wow!! Thank you so much, Niki. I am so glad you liked it!
I love toasts (avocado, salmon, tuna etc) and this was just another yummy toast that I made with Trader Joe’s sourdough bread. Easy to make and very yummy. I sprinkled with parsley instead of dill.
Yum! You can not go wrong with sourdough, that’s for sure!
So quick and easy to whip up! This turned out delicious, I’ll first enjoy with crackers and then maybe on toast for tomorrows lunch. I feel like this is a hit to keep me out of a lunch slump!
Woohoo! So glad to hear that you like it!
Made this last night! Quick and easy and loved. A little left over that I’m sure will taste even better tonight! Soooo Good 😀
Glad you liked it, Lee! The flavors do enhance overnight! Enjoy!
Made this dish, loved it. Enjoyed eating it as a spread on a slice of bread. It seems to smell like tuna each time I opened up the container I stored it in. Guess why it was called Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad. I left out the celery as my husband is allergic to it, added a spicy seasoning and some hot sauce to it. I didn’t have fresh dill so used dried dill. I will make this again.
Ooo, I bet the heat was a lovely addition! Love that idea!
Wow! This was so good and easy. Just the kind of recipe I’ve been looking for.
Glad you enjoyed it, Shelley!
This is SO GOOD. Since I’m making ahead for lunches, I just mix the dill into the sauce, and I use extra because I love dill. This is by far the best chickpea salad recipe I’ve ever tried.
Hi Heather! Thank you so much. I am happy you enjoyed it! It’s a great make-ahead lunch option for sure!
Omg this was so good!! My meat lover husband loved it! I’m pregnant and have been craving tuna melts. We made chickpea tuna melts on bagels and it totally hit the spot!!!
Those pregnancy cravings will get you for sure! I am so glad it hit the spot!
Oh wow! Finally was able to make this and my daughter (3) helped and she LOVED this! I truly didn’t think this would be a hit, but it’s been added to our weekly menu, per our toddler! 🙂 The flavors come together so beautifully. Thanks so much for this recipe!
So happy to hear that it’s toddler approved!
This was really good! I put the chickpeas in the food processor because it worked better for me. A great way to get beans in the day!
What a great idea! Did you end up making it more of a spread?
I made your recipe for chickpea tuna salad. I put on a piece of toasted Ezekiel bread. Very filling and sooo delicious. Thank you…
Glad you liked it, Paige!
It’s been months since Scarlett and I cooked together to make one of your recipes and I’m delighted to say this month’s recipe is amazing and so much fun to make💖
I may never eat tunafish again😉
Hi Karen! So glad to have you back and cooking with me again!
My whole family loved this, it is definitely going into our regular rotation. It is pretty versatile too, if you are missing an ingredient, still give it a try!
So glad you and your family enjoyed it!
Very delicious and easy to make! We made this recipe for lunches over the weekend and it was a great way to get in some plant powered protein!
So happy you liked it Gail!
This exceeded my expectations! I also added some dill pickle relish and chopped hard boiled egg. I would definitely make this again.
Ooo, what a great idea adding in the pickle and egg! So glad you liked it!
I am not a celery fan or a mustard fan. I tried the recipe as-is…and will have to rethink my “dislike” of the two. 🙂 The dish is delicious. I love that it is good for me! Thank you!
Yay! I am so glad you liked it with the celery and mustard.
I am so happy with how this turned out! I have been wanting to incorporate more plant-based foods into my diet and was really pleased with this “tuna” salad! I feel like meat is too often the first choice for a protein when legumes/beans are just as good and lighter on us! Recipes like this have really helped me make healthier choices and I am so glad you continue to create such inspiring content! Thanks for the recipe!
Aw, thank you so much, Angelica! It really means a lot to me that I am able to help and reach people through food! Thank you for trying my recipes and taking the time to comment!
I liked how easy and quick this salad was. This will be my new go-to lunch option when I have a busy day and back-to-back calls. Its both light and filling at the same time.
I am so glad you found it easy to make! It is a great lunch option for sure, and hopefully, it will help keep the after-lunch exhaustion at bay for you.
This is excellent! It comes together quickly, nice protein hit for sandwich or along side a salad. This recipe is a keeper.
I didn’t have shallot so instead used a scallion and 1 1/2 tsp of finely minced onion.
Yay! I am so happy you liked it!
Yum! Made it for lunch today and had to resist eating the whole bowl. It was good.
So glad you liked it, Salma! I agree it is hard to resist finishing it off!
Amazing! I couldn’t believe how delicious this recipe turned out. I had been meaning to look up a chickpea tuna recipe for a while, so when this hit my inbox, I was so happy! It was simple to make. I added the Greek yogurt but I did sneak in a tbs of mayo at the end to make it extra creamy. I topped my salad with it! Perfection! I’m making it a second time this week!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Wowwwww I have always felt FOMO as a vegetarian, when I see people eating tuna salad sandwiches (which look so good/such an easy protein packed lunch) and my hubby doesnt eat fish so I never had an excuse to make it! But wow this salad was SO good omg. I made it again today (twice this month and it’s only the 9th LOL). It’s so fresh and the chopping/prep work is really simple. I’ve been loving it on toasted seeded bread with lettuce, some scallion and sometimes a little bit of mayo on 1 slice + a hard boiled egg. Lunch for the week is sorted! Thank you Yumna!
I love chickpeas and it’s nice to know I can make more than a chickpea scramble with them. I’ll have to swap the greek yoghurt for a lactose-free plain yoghurt and the shallots for yellow onion. Hopefully, it’s still yummy.
I love chickpeas too! I hope you love the chickpea salad! I actually have quite a few recipes that utilize them, chickpea burgers, fritters and even a chickpea noodle soup! I’d love for you to browse my full list of chickpea recipes and give them a try!
Love the idea of chickpea tuna! I changed it up a bit and added a touch of sweetness with apples & raisins. I also omitted the yogurt and replaced dill with parsley. I served it in cucumber roll ups and over shaved cucumbers two days in a row! So delicious!
What a great idea to use this as a filling for cucumber roll-ups! I am going to try that!
A great healthy recipe! I used just a little bit of dried dill instead of fresh dill, and it turned perfect.
I am so happy you enjoyed it!
I make something similar, but tried it using the Greek yogurt and tahini and that really puts it over the top! Your recipes are easy to follow and always tasty. Thank you
I’m glad you tried this version and enjoyed! Thank you so, so much!
This is my new go to lunch! I use green onions from my flower pot and will be adding peas.
I love that! That sounds delicious!
I used cannellini beans because I was out of chickpeas. Worked out great. You can’t even taste the Tahini. Another great, healthy recipe.
That’s perfect! Such an easy substitution. Thank you so much!
I did make this recipe but bought some taste like egg spice from a Vegan store here and it was delicious
I am so glad you enjoyed!
Loved the recipe especially since I don’t like tuna!
Thank you so much! This is such a a great substitute!
This looks yummy – I hope to try it soon! Any suggestions for substitutes for the Greek yogurt if I am cooking to cater to a vegan? Thanks!!
Thank you so much! Instead of Greek yogurt, use a non-dairy kind, such as almond yogurt, or you could use tahini or oil even.
Many thanks for this delicious recipe from day on i will try shea with this salad
Teslam alyadey 😉🤗
I am so happy to hear that! Yay!
Its a delicious dish 😋 actually i make like this salad a toast sandwich with onions bell peppers coloured ones lettuce and mayonnaise
Thank you so much! That sounds extra delicious.
Love your recepies
Thank you!!
I love this recipe! I am a pescatarian trying to cut down on fish and eat more healthy, vegetarian recipes. This is great, and so easy to make! It’s going to be a staple I make during the week for clean lunches. Currently eating this on sourdough bread while writing this post.
Thank you so much! I’m happy to hear it’s going to be a staple. Sourdough bread with the Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad is such a good combo!
Katie, I’m not much of a fish hand but can handle a little canned tuna. When I read the recipe it sounded so fresh and on another level which I can’t wait to try. Then I read your comment and you blew that dish way up there! Sourdough bread?? I am now on my way to the shops. It sounds so heavenly. Thank you for that extra suggestion.
PS Youmna – ‘woops you did it again!’ – another star recipe 👏🏻🥰
Aww, thank you so much!
Love the “tuna salad” with chickpeas! I didn’t have a shallot so used red onion. It’s delicious! It’s tangy and filling. I put some in my kids’ lunches and they enjoyed it as well. Thanks for a delicious and healthy recipe!
Thank you! That substitution is easy to make for sure. Glad you all enjoyed!
Delicious! I love chickpea “tuna” salad but I’ve never made it with Greek yogurt before and I loved it! Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you tried something new and enjoyed!!
Loved this recipe. I did substitute some Avocado instead of Tahini but turned out great and will add to regular lucked from now on!
Thank you so much! I love that idea too!
Love love all the recipes you send!! I’m making your cream of vegetable soup today. I may get the ingredients to make this salad. Looks so good. I appreciate all the recipes you send me. Please keep them coming Yumna!! 💙
Aww, thank you so much! I am so happy to hear that. I hope you get a chance to try this recipe too! Thank you!!
This salad will become one of my favorites after today. The crunch and softness were perfect. I ate this salad on bread, and it was a hit! I will try over croissant and it will taste even better.I wish resturant should serve such salad♥️
That is a huge compliment! Sounds perfect.
I made this today and I just loved it. So good!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you!
Loved this one! So crunchy and good!
Thank you so much!
Next Month I’m doing a parasite cleanse that also consist of following more of a raw/plant based diet. I tried this today to see if it is something I might add during that time and I loved it! Can see this as being a recipe that will be in my normal rotation from now on! I loved it.
I’m so happy to hear that you loved it! Yay!
Looks amazing!! Great ideas for lunches! Thank you!!
Thank you!! Hope they keep you fueled throughout the day!
Made this for lunch – so easy and delicious! This is going to be a lunchtime staple here from now on.
I love that! Hope you continue to enjoy!
Delicious! Love anything with chickpeas. Creamy! ❤️
Thank you so much! It really is!
It turned out amazing!!! My 3 year old liked it. So yay!!!
Thank you! That is such a compliment!!
SO GOOD!! I absolutely love chick peas and this is such yummy alternative to tuna or chicken. I added chopped cucumbers 😊
Aww, thank you! Cucumbers sound like they’d add a great crunch factor.
Absolutely love! Super quick and easy lunch
Thank you so much!
Super easy to make and so delicious! Mine is resting in the fridge right now and I can’t wait to try it in a wrap on with some pita chips for lunch. I also loved the dressing and think it would be so tasty on roasted veggies.
Thank you so much! I have a feeling you’re going to love it! Let me know how it goes with the dressing and veggies – I’d love to try that too!
Love this recipe! I’ve made this with mayo and capers and it was so delicious as well
Thank you so much! I love the sound of that!
This dish is so good! We’re vegetarian, so please keep the easy, plant-based recipes coming!
Thank you! You got it!!
Thanks for this recipe. I am doing all vegan the month of January and this is a perfect recipe for me to use. It is so simple to make as well.
You are so welcome! Exactly what I was going for. Thank you!
I’m glad you posted a vegan recipe. Especially now that I was planning to go vegan for the month of January to give it a try. I love your content and will be on the lookout for other new recipes 🙂
Happy to have shared! This will definitely come in handy. I’ll be posting a recipe almost everyday this month, so stay tuned!
I am yet to try it… looks good … love how easy it is… to make great for a diet plan 😋
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy!
Be happy, eat chickpeas 🙂 I am really looking forward to making this at home 🥰
Yes!! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Two thumbs up for sure!! I added some avocado & then some honey to the dressing too and it was bomb! Thank you for a wonderful recipe..this vegetarian was so pleasantly pleased and will be making again!
Thank you so much! I love the sound of those additions. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Love chickpeas and I make it fresh not from a can. Great recipe ♥️
Love your cooking too 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Anything with chickpeas makes me happy..I will be making this for lunch often!!
Honestly, same here! Hope you enjoy!!
Let’s try tuna salad without tuna 🙂 I hope the kids will like it 👍🏻
I can’t wait to hear what you all think!
What a great way to create a vegan chickpea ‘tuna salad’. This Vegan Chickpea ‘Tuna’ Salad Sandwich is the perfect on-the-go lunch especially while balancing work and family responsibilities. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! This will definitely come in handy. Always happy to share!
This recipe came in time as I had a can of chickpeas and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I love the texture of this salad and is perfect if you wanna eat as lettuce wraps !
That is perfect! Yay!!
This recipe elevates tuna to the next level! It’s creamy and delicious. I added some Thai green peppers for some extra ummmmffff!
Thank you so much! I love the sound of a little spice in this. I’m going to have to try that next!
Amazing quick and superb tasty recipe.
Thank you so much!
I am trying to start the year with cutting down sugars- the obvious and not so obvious! Trying to stick with more vegetables and coconut oils for cooking. Do you have any ideas? I will try this “tuna” salad soon!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! I have a ton of recipes on my website if you go through the Recipe Index! I will also be coming out with new recipes almost every day this month that might fit your goals!
Overall this recipe is very tasty and makes a great healthy lunch! I ended up wanting mine a little more creamy so I doubled the yogurt, lemon juice and tahini (this also helped the flavors of the dill and mustard to not be so overpowering)!
Thank you so much! This recipe is super versatile in this way, so you can taste and adjust as you go!
It’s was tasty and quick
Good option for busy moms like me
We can offer a healthy food to our family
Thanks a lot
Thank you so much! Yes!!
Made this tonight for lunches for work. I’m not the biggest fan of chickpeas but this changed my opinion. Super easy to make and it’s delicious!
I’m happy to hear you gave this a try and were pleasantly surprised! Thank you!
I love chick peas and I am always looking for a new recipe. This was perfect. I made this for my daughter after a 12 hour shift at the hospital. She loved it. She likes to eat light and this hit the spot!!!
Thank you so much! Glad this hit the spot after a long shift!
I am always looking for plant-based protein rich options. This looks yum.
This is a great place to start! Let me know what you think. Thank you!
I am a student and came across this recipe today and I am so glad I did because this is going to be my go to recipe for sure. This is a wholesome recipe that will meet my protein requirements, includes veggies and everything nice. Definitely tastes good as well, will be sharing the pretty pictures soon on Instagram 🙂
I am so happy to hear that! Definitely a wholesome meal. Can’t wait to see the photos!!
Welp that was quick but needed a light dinner tonight and you came to the rescue. It was delicious and totally gave the visual and taste feel of tuna! Keeping this for a side for my 2yr old next time. Thanks you!
So glad this came to the rescue! You’re so welcome!
Looks amazing for the new year new me. Thank you
Thank you! It’s the perfect way to kick off the new year. Happy New Year!
Such a light, refreshing salad and so easy to put together😍
Thank you so much! Exactly what I was going for!
Omg it looks amazing can’t wait to make it😍😍
I can’t wait to hear what you think!
I am excited to try this recipe. Only issue is that my son is severely allergic to tahini. What can be used as a substitute? Thanks!
I can’t wait for you to give it a go! You can try mayo instead of tahini in this recipe.
This was excellent! As I enter 2023 looking to do more plant based meals. Love your recipes as they come together pretty quick and are fantastic.
Thank you!! I’ll definitely be coming out with more plant based meals too, so stay tuned!
Yum!
Thank you!