Savory Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Indulge in the savory delight of these Savory Chickpea Salad Sandwiches, a wholesome and satisfying alternative to traditional chicken salad. Perfect for vegetarians and food lovers alike, this protein-packed spread combines the creamy texture of mashed chickpeas with crunchy celery and water chestnuts, seasoned with a zesty mix of dried ranch and pickle relish. Piled high on hearty whole grain bread or nestled in a fluffy pita pocket, this easy-to-make dish makes for a quick lunch or snack that you can whip up with pantry staples. Not only is it nourishing and filling, but it also gets even better when prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly delicious experience. Customize it further with your favorite herbs and veggies for a personal touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce can, drained and slightly mashed)
celery ribs
2 small (chopped, with leaves)
water chestnut
1/4 cup (chopped)
onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
pickle relish
1 tablespoon (to taste)
mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (or vegannaise)
dry ranch dressing mix
1 teaspoon
dried parsley
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and slightly mashed chickpeas with the chopped celery, water chestnuts, finely chopped onions, pickle relish, mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix, and dried parsley.
2
Mix thoroughly, ensuring the chickpeas are well coated and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Season to taste with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavors as desired.
4
For optimal flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
5
To serve, scoop the chickpea salad onto slices of whole grain bread or fill pita pockets with generous portions. Add fresh lettuce and tomato if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chickpea Salad Sandwiches?
Savory Chickpea Salad Sandwiches are a wholesome and satisfying vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken salad, made with mashed chickpeas and zesty seasonings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for vegetarians and food lovers looking for a protein-packed plant-based spread.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan-friendly alternative like vegannaise and ensure your ranch mix is dairy-free.
How do I prepare the chickpeas for the salad?
Drain a 15-ounce can of chickpeas and mash them slightly in a mixing bowl before combining them with the other ingredients.
What ingredients provide the crunch in this recipe?
The crunchy texture comes from the addition of chopped celery ribs and chopped water chestnuts.
How long should I refrigerate the mixture before serving?
For optimal flavor development, it is recommended to cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
What kind of bread works best for these sandwiches?
This chickpea salad is best served on hearty whole grain bread or tucked into fluffy pita pockets.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas as long as they are cooked until tender and measured to equal approximately 15 ounces.
How should I store leftover chickpea salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh.
How long does the chickpea salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in a sealed container, the chickpea salad typically lasts for 3 to 5 days.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing and filling meal that is protein-packed and utilizes wholesome pantry staples.
Can I add fresh herbs to the salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe with your favorite fresh herbs for an extra personal touch.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for finely chopped onions; you can use white, yellow, or red onions depending on your preference.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use vegannaise, Greek yogurt, or even mashed avocado as a substitute for traditional mayonnaise.
Is the chickpea salad gluten-free?
The salad mixture itself is gluten-free if using a GF ranch mix; however, you must serve it on gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe gets even better when prepared ahead of time because it allows the flavors to meld together.
How do I season the salad?
Season to taste with salt and pepper after mixing the main ingredients to adjust the flavors to your liking.
What is the role of the dry ranch dressing mix?
The dry ranch dressing mix provides a zesty and savory seasoning base that flavors the chickpeas and vegetables.
Can I serve this in a pita pocket?
Yes, the chickpea salad is perfect for filling pita pockets with generous portions.
What if I don't have pickle relish?
You can substitute pickle relish with finely diced pickles or omit it if you prefer a less tangy flavor.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as it is easy to make and tastes great even after a few days in the fridge.
Do I need to cook anything for this recipe?
No cooking is required if you are using canned chickpeas and pre-packaged pantry staples.
Should I use the celery leaves?
Yes, the recipe suggests chopping the celery ribs along with their leaves for added flavor.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include chickpea salad, sandwich, vegetarian, lunch, snack, healthy, easy recipe, and pantry staples.
Can I add tomatoes to the sandwich?
Yes, it is recommended to add fresh lettuce and tomato to the sandwich when serving if desired.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires 10 main ingredients including the pantry staples like salt and pepper.
How much pickle relish should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pickle relish, but you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is savory and zesty rather than spicy, making it suitable for most palates.
Can children eat this?
Yes, the mild and savory flavors make it a kid-friendly lunch or snack option.
Can I serve this as a dip?
Yes, this chickpea salad works perfectly as a spread or dip for crackers and fresh vegetable sticks.