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Chickpea Salad Melts (Vegetarian Tuna Melts) Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This vegetarian Chickpea Salad Melts recipe offers a delicious and satisfying twist on classic tuna melts by using mashed chickpeas as a flavorful and healthy filling. Perfectly combined with celery, pickles, red onion, fresh dill, and creamy mayonnaise, then grilled with melted sharp cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread, these melts are quick to make and ideal for a comforting lunch or light dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chickpea Salad

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced pickles
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • Small squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan or regular)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sandwiches

  • 8 slices bread (preferably whole wheat sandwich bread)
  • 8 slices cheese (sharp cheddar used)
  • Butter or cooking spray, for grilling

Instructions

  1. Mash the Chickpeas: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to a medium-sized bowl and mash them with a fork. Leave some chickpeas whole for texture, but mash most to create a cohesive salad base.
  2. Mix the Salad: Add diced celery, pickles, red onion, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice (if using), Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise to the mashed chickpeas. Stir well until the mayonnaise is fully incorporated with the other ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare the Bread and Filling: Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Butter one side of a bread slice and place it butter-side down on a cutting board. Layer with cheese slices, then spread a couple of spoonfuls of chickpea salad on top. Adjust portion sizes as desired.
  4. Assemble and Cook the Melts: Top with another slice of bread and gently butter the top side. Place the melt in the heated pan, cheese side down, to help the cheese melt faster. Optionally, cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  5. Serve: Let the melts cool for 1-2 minutes, slice in half, and enjoy! These melts pair wonderfully with chips, fries, fresh veggies, or a light salad.

Notes

  • For vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese slices.
  • Adjust mayo quantity if the chickpea salad feels too dry.
  • Covering the pan while grilling helps the cheese melt evenly and quickly.
  • Add fresh lemon juice for a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
  • Try different breads and cheese types such as sourdough or mozzarella for variation.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/chickpea-salad-melts-vegetarian-tuna-melts-recipe/