Chickpea Salad

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Easy, vegan chickpea salad (with creamy maple dijon dressing!) 

Written by Julie on June 29, 2024

Ready to transform ordinary chickpeas into a flavor explosion with this creamy and irresistible chickpea salad? It’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and a combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy textures that are addictively good! Made with a simple, Maple Dijon Dressing that takes just minutes to make. This chickpea salad will become your go-to meal prep hero, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even enjoying by the spoonful!

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Confession: I’m a meal prep nerd. 😔 Seriously, my fridge is a Tetris game of containers, and twice a week (when I’m on my A game), I chop, mix, and transform my kitchen into a healthy food factory. It’s the only way I make sure there’s healthy, delicious food ready to grab — and to avoid the ravage-the-pantry-like-a-bear because I’m so hungry moments.

One of my go-to meal prep staples is this creamy vegan chickpea salad, it’s so easy to make, packed with protein and flavor, and incredibly versatile. I’ve put this salad on everything from sandwiches and wraps to lettuce cups and crackers. It’s even been known to disappear by the spoonful straight from the bowl (no judgment here!).

There are lots of different ways to make chickpea salad, but this creamy Dijon version is my absolute favorite. The secret to its irresistible creaminess is a simple, homemade Dijon dressing that takes just 5 minutes to make (really!). I usually double the batch so I have enough for salads throughout the week too — meal-prepping at its finest!

This chickpea salad is a delicious solution for busy days, picky eaters, and anyone who wants to add more plant-based fiber and protein to their diet.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Chickpea Salad

• Quick & Easy: It takes just 10 minutes to make up this flavorful salad — even faster if you’ve already prepped your Dijon dressing.

• Customizable: Mix and match your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices for endless variety.

• Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.

• Meal Prep Champion: Make a big batch of chickpea salad and Dijon dressing on Sunday to enjoy healthy lunches all week long!

• Did You Know: The humble chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are full of nutrients! Just one cup of cooked chickpeas provides 50% of your daily fiber needs, along with folate and manganese — an antioxidant superstar that helps protect your heart and nervous system.

How To Make Chickpea Salad

Step 1.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chickpeas. Mash until you reach your desired consistency (I like to mash until soft with a few chunks).

TIP: When mashing, leave some chickpea chunks for a heartier bite!

Step 2.

After mashing, add the diced red onion, diced pickles, and diced celery. Stir to combine.

Step 3.

Next, add the Maple Dijon Dressing and stir until combined.

Step 4.

Add the remaining ingredients, salt, apple cider vinegar, and pickle juice. Stir until combined.

TIP: If you prefer a tangier flavor, use 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar instead of 1 1/2 tsp.

Step 5.

Your chickpea salad is ready! You can eat it right away or store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

In The Kitchen Tips

• Mash It Up: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas to your desired texture. Leave some chunks for a heartier bite!

• Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro add a burst of brightness.

• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick.

• Make It Your Own: Get creative! Add chopped apples, grapes, or walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

• Leftovers? No Problem! This salad tastes even better the next day. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Mason jar salad: Layer the chickpea salad with chopped veggies and greens in a mason jar for a portable and convenient lunch.

• Collard green wraps: Use collard green leaves as a sturdy and healthy alternative to tortillas.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chickpea Salad (Picnic-Perfect & 4th of July Approved!)

For a Light Lunch or Snack

• Crusty bread or crackers: Serve on your favorite base, like toast or crackers.

• Lettuce cups: Swap bread for lettuce for a light and refreshing bite.

• Veggie platter: This chickpea salad makes a delicious and healthy dip for your favorite raw veggies.

For a Hearty Meal 

• Sandwiches or wraps: Add a layer of greens and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Picnic-perfect salad: Toss with your favorite greens and enjoy on a sunny day.

• Stuffed avocados or tomatoes: A festive and colorful appetizer for your 4th of July barbecue.

Flavorful Upgrades

• Spiced pita chips: The warmth of cumin or paprika-spiced pita chips complements the creamy, tangy chickpea salad.

• Sliced avocado toast: The creamy avocado complements the chickpea salad, while the toast adds crunch. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a kick!

• Cucumber boats: Hollow out cucumber halves and fill them with chickpea salad for a refreshing and low-carb snack.

• Sweet potato rounds: Baked or grilled sweet potato slices provide a naturally sweet base for the savory chickpea salad.

• Bell pepper halves: Fill colorful bell pepper halves with the chickpea salad for a vibrant and nutritious lunch.

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RELATED RECIPES:

Easy, Creamy Maple & Balsamic Dressing • Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing (Oil-Free & Vegan) • Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Thousand Island Dressing • Vegan Banana Bread (Easy and One Bowl)

FAQ

• Can I meal prep chickpea salad?
  Absolutely! This chickpea salad is a meal prep superstar. The flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge, and it will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• I’m out of cashews for the dressing, what can I use instead?
  No worries! Mashed avocado, plain vegan yogurt, or store-bought vegan mayo are all delicious substitutes for the cashew-based dressing.

• Should I use canned or dried chickpeas?
  Canned chickpeas are super convenient and work great in this recipe. Just drain and rinse them well. If you’re using dried chickpeas, cook them according to package directions before using them.

• Is chickpea salad good for weight loss?
  Absolutely! Chickpea salad is a great choice for weight loss. It’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied while being low in calories and fat compared to other sandwich fillings.

• How do I adjust the recipe for a larger/smaller batch?

  No worries, friend! This recipe is customizable to your needs. Just below the recipe photo, you'll spot a little dropdown menu with an arrow pointing down. Click on it and select the multiplier that matches how much chickpea salad goodness you want to whip up. The ingredient amounts will magically update themselves according to the number you choose. It's like a magic trick for adjusting the recipe! It's so easy, you'll be a chickpea salad master in no time!

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Chickpea Salad

BOOKMARK RECIPE

Chickpea Salad, Easy Recipes, 4th of July food, 4th of July Recipes, Get-together food, Easy 4th of july food, vegan chickpea salad, plant-based 4th of July food, vegan 4th of July food

Mains, Dinners, Lunch

YIELDS: 5

AUTHOR: Julie

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Chickpea Salad

PREP TIME: 15 MinTOTAL TIME: 15 Min

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful no-fuss lunch? This creamy vegan chickpea salad with homemade Dijon dressing is packed with protein and fiber, ready in 15 minutes, and perfect for meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 3 cans (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup finely chopped pickles
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup creamy 5-minute Maple Dijon Dressing
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (start with 1 tsp, add more to taste if desired* see notes)
• 2 Tbsp pickle juice

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for Maple Dijon Dressing.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they’re mostly broken down but still have some texture.
3. Add the diced red onion, chopped pickles, and diced celery to the mashed chickpeas. Add in homemade Maple Dijon dressing. Stir in the salt, apple cider vinegar, and pickle juice.
4. Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (I add 2 teaspoons because I like it tangy).
5. If desired, fold in chopped fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or other additions.
6. Enjoy your chickpea salad on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, salads, or by the spoonful!

Notes

• Leftover Dressing: This recipe makes extra Dijon dressing, which can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s delicious on salads, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip.
• Chickpea Skins: For a smoother texture, remove the skins before mashing by rubbing the cooked chickpeas between your fingers under running water. Personally, I prefer to leave them on for added fiber and texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Start with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in the chickpea salad. If you prefer a tangier flavor, gradually add more, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of tanginess. (I usually add the additional 2 teaspoons, but taste as you go!)
• Storage: This chickpea salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Optional Additions
• Chopped fresh dill, parsley, or cilantro
• Diced avocado, bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce
• Chopped apples, grapes, or walnuts

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A Flavor-Packed Vegan Meal You’ll Crave

This creamy vegan chickpea salad with Dijon dressing is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and delicious textures and tastes.  

Whether on a sandwich, in a wrap, or by the spoonful, this salad is sure to satisfy.

I’d love to hear how you make it your own, leave a comment down below!