Savory Chickpea Tunalike Salad with Sea Essence
Dive into this deliciously hearty and nutritious salad that mimics the flavors of tuna while being entirely plant-based! Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this Chickpea Tunalike Salad combines the earthiness of chickpeas with crunchy vegetables and zesty herbs. The addition of toasted nori introduces a delightful ocean-inspired twist, making it even more enticing. Enjoy it on whole grain bread, stuffed into fresh tomatoes, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or nestled in pita pockets with diced tomatoes for a fun and satisfying meal. Whether you're vegan or simply looking to eat more plant-based, this salad is a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, adapting easily to your taste preferences.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained (about 1 3/4 cups))
Celery
1/2 cup (finely diced (I use the food processor))
Sweet Onion
1/4 cup (finely diced (or green onion))
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons
Fresh Parsley
2-3 tablespoons (minced (sometimes I add a little fresh chopped dill))
Vegan Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (or regular, or omit for 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil)
Brown Mustard
2 teaspoons
Pickle Relish
2 teaspoons (well drained (sweet or dill – your choice))
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon ((I used smoked paprika))
Crushed Toasted Nori
1/8-1/4 cup ((optional))
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the chickpeas: either coarsely chop them in a food processor or mash them well with a fork until you achieve your desired texture. Aim for a chunky consistency to preserve some bite.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chickpeas with finely diced celery, lemon juice, onion, minced parsley, and your choice of mayonnaise (or olive oil).
3
3. Add in the pickle relish, brown mustard, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you're using crushed toasted nori, fold it in gently to incorporate its flavor without breaking down the texture.
4
4. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is well combined. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
5. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this enhances the taste.
6
6. The salad can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy it straight away or use it as a spread for various meals!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chickpea Tunalike Salad with Sea Essence?
This is a nutritious plant-based salad that mimics the flavors of tuna by combining chickpeas with crunchy vegetables, zesty herbs, and toasted nori.
How do I prepare the chickpeas for this salad?
You can either coarsely chop the chickpeas in a food processor or mash them well with a fork until you achieve a chunky consistency.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is recommended for coarsely chopping the chickpeas and finely dicing the celery.
What gives the salad its sea essence?
The sea essence is introduced by adding crushed toasted nori, which provides a delightful ocean-inspired twist.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The recipe includes finely diced celery and sweet onion (or green onion).
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using sweet onion, though green onion is a suitable alternative.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is entirely plant-based, especially when using vegan mayonnaise or olive oil.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise or substitute it with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of oil can be used instead of mayo?
Extra virgin olive oil is the recommended substitute if you choose to omit the mayonnaise.
Which herbs are added to the salad?
The recipe calls for minced fresh parsley, and you can also add a little fresh chopped dill.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What kind of mustard should be used?
Two teaspoons of brown mustard are used in this recipe.
Can I use sweet or dill pickle relish?
You can use either sweet or dill pickle relish based on your personal preference.
What kind of paprika is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Is the toasted nori mandatory?
No, the crushed toasted nori is an optional ingredient, though it adds to the sea essence flavor.
How should the nori be added to the mixture?
Fold the crushed toasted nori in gently to incorporate its flavor without breaking down the texture of the salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is it important to chill the salad?
Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
How long can I store the salad in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What are some ways to serve the salad?
You can enjoy it on whole grain bread, stuffed into fresh tomatoes, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or in pita pockets.
Is this salad good for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 12 ingredients, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
What is the ideal texture for the chickpeas?
You should aim for a chunky consistency to preserve some bite in the salad.
Should the pickle relish be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the pickle relish should be well-drained.
Can I add fresh dill to this recipe?
Yes, adding a little fresh chopped dill along with the parsley is a suggested variation.
How much nori should be used?
The recipe suggests using between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of crushed toasted nori.
Is this dish suitable for those looking for plant-based options?
Absolutely, it is a versatile dish designed for vegans or anyone wanting to eat more plant-based meals.
Can I serve it in fresh tomatoes?
Yes, stuffing the salad into fresh tomatoes is one of the recommended serving suggestions.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
Can this salad be used as a spread?
Yes, the salad is highly versatile and works excellently as a spread for various types of meals.