Description

The Grilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a flavorful and nutritious plant-based sandwich featuring smoky grilled chickpeas, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a creamy binder. Perfectly balanced with bold tastes and textures, this sandwich is quick to prepare and easily customizable for vegan or gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Chickpeas and Seasoning

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh Vegetables & Herbs

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Creamy Binder

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Bread & Optional Add-ins

Whole grain sandwich bread or rolls, toasted
Lettuce leaves or tomato slices (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare and Grill Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chickpeas for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown color with a slight crisp exterior.
Chop Fresh Ingredients: While the chickpeas are grilling, finely chop the celery, red onion, and fresh herbs. These fresh ingredients provide a crunchy contrast and aromatic freshness to the smoky chickpeas.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Add the vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and lemon juice, then mix well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a creamy but not watery consistency.
Assemble the Sandwich: Lightly toast your bread or rolls for added crunch. Spread the chickpea salad generously onto the bread, add optional lettuce or tomato slices, then close the sandwich. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Dry chickpeas thoroughly before grilling to achieve a crispy texture.
Do not skip the smoked paprika; it adds essential smoky flavor.
Toast your bread to prevent sogginess and improve crunch.
Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the salad flavor.
Add creamy binder gradually to avoid a watery salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: grilled chickpea salad sandwich, vegan sandwich, plant-based sandwich, healthy lunch, smoky chickpeas, gluten-free sandwich