Smash Chickpea Salad or Sandwich

Smash Chickpea Salad or Sandwich

This Smashed Chickpea is a versatile, high fiber, protein-packed staple for busy days.

By: Jenn Alberts

If you’re craving a quick and satisfying vegetarian lunch, this Smashed Chickpea Sandwich is your new go-to. It’s packed with plant-based protein, high in fiber, fresh crunch, and tangy goodness—all wrapped up in a fuss-free recipe.  The creamy blend of navy beans, artichoke brine, and mustard creates a tangy sauce that balances perfectly with crunchy veggies. Enjoy this recipe as-is, or make it your own by adding your favorite herbs and extra toppings.

Prepare it in minutes for a healthy meal that’ll keep you energized and ready to tackle your day…or your next hiking adventure!

smashed chickpeas salad

Ingredients

Sauce/Spread (Blend Together):

2 tablespoons (30 g) artichoke brine

2 tablespoons (30 g) fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon (30 g) Dijon mustard

1 cup (140 g) cooked or canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed, if canned)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Add These:

1 (15 oz) can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1½–2 cups cooked chickpeas)

1/2 can of artichokes

1 celery stalk, chopped small

1 pickle, chopped small

1–3 stalks green onion, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the artichoke brine, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, white navy beans, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Tip: If the mixture seems too thick, add a spoonful of water (or more artichoke brine) to reach your desired consistency.

2. Smash the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, smash the chickpeas until they’re partially broken down but still have a bit of texture.

3. Combine Ingredients

Pour the blended sauce over the smashed chickpeas.

Add the artichockes, chopped celery, pickle, and green onions.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne, or a squeeze more lemon juice) to taste.

4. Assemble Your Sandwich or Enjoy as is

Spread the smashed chickpea mixture onto your favorite bread or toast.

Top with crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, or any other sandwich fixings you love.

Close it up, slice, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Bread Choices: Whole-grain bread, ciabatta, or a crusty baguette add extra texture.

Wrap it Up: Try this mixture in a whole-wheat tortilla or lettuce wrap for a gluten-free option.

Add Some Color: Throw in grated carrots, sliced cucumbers, or fresh sprouts to pack in extra nutrients.

Storage

Refrigerate any leftover chickpea mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s great for weekday lunches, meal prepping, or even a quick snack with crackers.

Smashed Chickpea Salad or Sandwich

If you’re craving a quick and satisfying vegetarian lunch, this Smashed Chickpea Sandwich is your new go-to. It’s packed with plant-based protein, high in fiber, fresh crunch, and tangy goodness—all wrapped up in a fuss-free recipe.  The creamy blend of navy beans, artichoke brine, and mustard creates a tangy sauce that balances perfectly with crunchy veggies. Enjoy this recipe as-is, or make it your own by adding your favorite herbs and extra toppings.
Prepare it in minutes for a healthy meal that’ll keep you energized and ready to tackle your day…or your next hiking adventure!
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: appetizer, chickpeas, gluten free, healthy, high fiber, lunch, snack, vegan
Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons 30 g artichoke brine
  • 2 tablespoons 30 g fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon 30 g Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup 140 g cooked or canned white navy beans (drained and rinsed, if canned)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 15 oz can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1½–2 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 1/2 can of artichokes
  • 1 celery stalk chopped small
  • 1 pickle chopped small
  • 1 –3 stalks green onion finely chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sauce
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the artichoke brine, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, white navy beans, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Tip: If the mixture seems too thick, add a spoonful of water (or more artichoke brine) to reach your desired consistency.
  • Smash the Chickpeas
  • Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, smash the chickpeas until they’re partially broken down but still have a bit of texture.
  • Combine Ingredients
  • Pour the blended sauce over the smashed chickpeas.
  • Add the chopped celery, pickle, and green onions.
  • Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice) to taste.
  • Assemble Your Sandwich
  • Spread the smashed chickpea mixture onto your favorite bread or toast.
  • Top with crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, or any other sandwich fixings you love.
  • Close it up, slice, and enjoy!

Notes

Serving Suggestions• Bread Choices: Whole-grain bread, ciabatta, or a crusty baguette add extra texture.
• Wrap it Up: Try this mixture in a whole-wheat tortilla or lettuce wrap for a gluten-free option.
• Add Some Color: Throw in grated carrots, sliced cucumbers, or fresh sprouts to pack in extra nutrients.
Storage
• Refrigerate any leftover chickpea mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s great for weekday lunches, meal prepping, or even a quick snack with crackers.
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