This Easy Vegan Chicken Salad is a breeze to make! It features chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and a creamy vegan dressing that brings it all together. Perfect for sandwiches or a light salad!
I love how filling it is without any chicken! You can whip it up in no time, and it’s great for meal prep. Just toss everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to go. 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: They act as the base for the salad, giving it a hearty texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned jackfruit torn apart for a different texture, but chickpeas give a nice creamy consistency.
Vegan Mayonnaise: This is key for creating a creamy dressing. If you want to lighten it up, you can use Greek yogurt (if you’re not strictly vegan) or a mixture of mashed avocado for a fresh twist.
Red Grapes: Their sweetness balances the other flavors. You can swap them for apples or dried cranberries if grapes aren’t your thing or if you want a different flavor profile.
Celery: Adds crunch and freshness. If you don’t have celery, diced cucumbers or bell peppers can work just as well to maintain that fresh crispiness!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives.
How Do I Mash the Chickpeas Properly?
Mashing chickpeas can be straight forward, but there are a few tips to get the right texture. You want them to be mostly broken down, yet still chunky for bite. Here’s how:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas well, then let them dry a bit.
- In a bowl, use a fork or potato masher. Press down gently and mash until they’re about half broken.
- Be careful not to over-mash. You want some pieces to remain for texture!
Easy Vegan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- Croissants or sandwich bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious vegan chicken salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. Another 30 minutes in the fridge will help meld the flavors together, making it even tastier! So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mash the Chickpeas:
Start by adding the drained and rinsed chickpeas into a large bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash them until they are mostly broken down but still have some chunks for texture. You want them to be creamy and a little bit chunky!
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
Next, add the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Add the Veggies and Nuts:
Now, gently fold in the diced celery, halved grapes, red onion (if you’re using it), and the optional chopped nuts. Mix until the veggies and nuts are evenly distributed through the salad. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like!
4. Chill the Salad:
Transfer the salad into the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and come together, making the salad even tastier!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, it’s time to serve! This vegan chicken salad is great on croissants, sandwich bread, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh option. Enjoy your tasty creation!
This creamy, flavorful vegan chicken salad is easy to make and perfect for any meal—whether it’s lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. Happy eating!
FAQ About Easy Vegan Chicken Salad
Can I Use Other Beans Instead of Chickpeas?
Absolutely! You could use white beans, like cannellini or navy beans, for a similar texture. Just make sure to mash them up well to maintain that creamy consistency!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that the vegan mayonnaise and any bread or wraps you use are labeled gluten-free to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits, but the fresh veggies may lose some crunch over time.
Can I Add Other Veggies or Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this salad. Chopped apples, bell peppers, or even dried cranberries can be lovely additions, adding extra flavor and crunch!
