Pesto Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Chickpea salad is one of my go-to lunches. It is quick, easy, delicious and nutritious. And these Pesto Chickpea Salad Sandwiches are a fun new take on this easy lunch. I also love that you can make one huge sandwich and cut it into smaller portions to share – or eat later!

here’s what you need

ingredients

• chickpeas
• avocado
• dijon mustard
• vegan pesto
• vegan mayo
• celery
• red onion
• smoked paprika
• garlic salt
• pepper
• ciabatta bread
• sun-dried tomatoes
• romaine lettuce
• sprouts

equipment

You just need a mixing bowl and a sheet pan!

steps

step 1: make the chickpea salad

The biggest debate when it comes to chickpea salad is whether to remove the chickpea skins or not. If you asked me when I first went vegan, I would say definitely remove them. But here I am 10 years later, and I’d definitely skip that step. The skins don’t bother me. But, if they bother you (and you have the time), go ahead and remove them!

Add the chickpeas to a mixing bowl and smash with a fork. Add the avocado, dijon, 1/2 of the pesto & 1/2 of the mayo and mix & mash until combined. Add the celery, red onion & dry seasonings and mix again. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes – or until ready to assemble.

step 2: assemble

I love using ciabatta for this sandwich. It is hearty and can hold up to the filling without getting mushy!

Cut the bread in half lengthwise and place on a baking sheet. Pick out some of the bread from the top half to make room for the filling. Spray with oil and toast in the oven under the broiler until browned.

Add the remaining pesto & mayo to a bowl and mix to combine. This pesto mayo is sooooo good!

To assemble, add the chickpea salad to the bottom half of the sandwich and top with the lettuce. To the top half, add the pesto mayo, sun-dried tomatoes & sprouts.

step 3: serve

I like to cut the sandwich into 4 smaller sandwiches, but you could also do 8!

This is best served right away, but you could also prep it ahead of time and wrap the sandwiches up for later.

This sandwich has everything you could want in a deli sandwich, but made at home!

tips & tricks

Depending on how many people you are serving, this can easily be cut into 8 squares for smaller servings.

You can make the pesto from scratch or get it store-bought.

If you want to take the time to remove the skins from the chickpeas, go for it! I don’t mind them so I leave them on.