Easy Vegan Chickpea Tuna Pasta Salad

A creamy-yet-fresh pasta salad full of plant protein and satisfying fiber.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword chickpea pasta, pasta salad, Vegan, vegan tuna

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 22

Servings

Calories 314kcal

8 ounces mini shell chickpea pasta (or preferred small-shape pasta such as elbow or rotini)
1 teaspoon olive oil (or preferred neutral oil)
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped
¼ red onion, diced (optional)
2 Tablespoons lemon zest (zest of 1 large lemon)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon)
½ cup vegan mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought, or hummus thinned with 1-2 Tablespoons of water)
1 sheet nori , crumbled or thinly sliced (see note 1)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne powder (optional, adds mild heat)
¼ teaspoon coarse salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste)
2 Tablespoons dill pickle relish

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, at the minimum amount of recommended cook time for al-dente pasta. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Toss the pasta in olive oil and transfer it into a medium bowl. Refrigerate the pasta while gathering and preparing the other ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, smash the chickpeas using a potato masher (or meat tenderizer, or fork) about 80% of the chickpeas have been smashed.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold them together until well combined.
Optionally garnish with fresh dill and serve.
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To slice nori thinly, I rip it into thin pieces and then use kitchen sheers to cut across the narrow sheets into thin shreds, about the width and length of shredded cheese.

For an entree size, I suggest dividing this salad into 4 servings.

Nutrition facts calculated without garnishes and will vary based on brands and substitutions used.