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Grilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Grilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Experience the fresh, smoky, and protein-packed flavors of the Grilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich, a quick, wholesome, and versatile meal perfect for any time of day. This recipe combines creamy chickpeas with vibrant fresh veggies and smoky grilled bread to create a satisfying, nutritious sandwich that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
  • 2 slices whole grain bread or ciabatta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Variations

  • ½ avocado, sliced (for creamy addition)
  • Spicy element: sriracha or cayenne pepper to taste
  • Additional greens: fresh spinach or arugula
  • Vegan mayo or garlic aioli as an alternative creamy spread
  • Gluten-free bread as a substitute for dietary preferences

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpea Salad: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then mash them lightly with a fork or potato masher until chunky but not pureed. Mix in finely chopped celery, red onion, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, smoked paprika, a dollop of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Generously spread the chickpea salad onto one slice of whole grain bread. Add any optional greens if using. Top with the second slice of bread to form a sandwich ready for grilling.
  3. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and brush both sides of the sandwich with olive oil. Grill until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press lightly during grilling to meld all flavors and textures together.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Once grilled to perfection, slice the sandwich diagonally for an appealing presentation. Serve warm, allowing the smoky, fresh flavors to shine through with every bite.

Notes

  • Choose fresh parsley or cilantro to brighten the flavor more than dried herbs.
  • Do not over-mash the chickpeas; keep some whole for texture contrast.
  • Add lemon juice just before serving to keep flavors crisp and vibrant.
  • Use bread with a sturdy crust that grills well and holds the sandwich without becoming soggy.
  • Grill over medium heat to avoid burning the bread while fully warming the inside.
  • Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to two days.
  • Freeze chickpea salad separately in an airtight container for up to one month; avoid freezing the assembled sandwich.
  • Reheat the sandwich in a skillet or toaster oven to retain crispiness, avoiding the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich, Vegan Sandwich, Protein Packed Sandwich, Healthy Lunch, Quick Vegan Meal, Smoky Chickpea Sandwich