Chickpea Salad Melts (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
02 -
1/2 cup diced celery
03 -
1/2 cup diced pickles
04 -
1/3 cup diced red onion
05 -
1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
06 -
Fresh lemon juice, small squeeze (optional)
07 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise (vegan or regular)
09 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
10 -
8 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (or preferred bread)
11 -
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, add the rinsed and drained chickpeas. Using a fork, mash the chickpeas, leaving a few whole for texture variety.
02 -
Add the diced celery, pickles, red onion, chopped dill, lemon juice (if using), Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise to the mashed chickpeas. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
03 -
Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place half the bread slices butter-side down on a cutting board.
04 -
Top each bread slice (butter-side down) with cheese and a generous portion of the chickpea salad mixture. Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
05 -
Transfer the sandwiches to the heated pan, preferably cheese-side down to promote melting. Place a lid on the pan for 1-2 minutes to help melt the cheese. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
06 -
Remove from heat, let cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice in half. Serve with chips, fries, fresh vegetables, or a side salad.
# Notes:
01 -
These vegetarian 'tuna' melts offer the same satisfying texture and flavor as traditional tuna melts but are completely plant-based.
02 -
Add more mayonnaise if the chickpea mixture seems dry.