Garden Veggie Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This Garden Veggie Chickpea Salad Sandwich is the perfect balance of crunchy veggies, creamy chickpea goodness, and vibrant herbs. Meal prep it for the week or enjoy it right away—you’ll love every bite!
Hello, my friends! I’m so glad you’re here because this week, I’m sharing a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my household: the Garden Veggie Chickpea Salad Sandwich. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with all the good stuff to keep you feeling nourished and satisfied. Whether you're planning your weekly meal prep or just craving something hearty and wholesome, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Let me start with a little backstory. My husband and I love spending afternoons in our garden, soaking up the fresh air and nurturing our plants. There’s something so grounding about it—literally! After a couple of hours outside, I often crave something simple yet vibrant, and that’s how this sandwich came to life. It’s my go-to for an easy lunch that feels indulgent but is actually super nutrient-dense.
Ingredients for the Chickpea Salad:
15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 stalks green onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
¼ cup shredded carrots, chopped
¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
¼ cup finely chopped dill pickle
¼ cup store-bought or homemade mayonnaise (vegan or regular)
1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp yellow mustard
⅛ tsp dried dill or fresh, to taste
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
3 tbsp unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
2 tbsp fresh chopped basil (plus extra to taste)
For the Sandwich:
Multigrain sandwich bread
Arugula or romaine lettuce
Extra basil (optional)
Optional add-ons: sliced tomatoes and/or red onion
Optional Sandwich Spread:
Spicy mustard
Hummus
Mayo (vegan or regular)
Instructions
Prep the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse your chickpeas, then add them to a large mixing bowl. Grab a potato masher (or a fork, if you’re feeling ambitious) and smash those chickpeas until they have a flaked texture. Think tuna salad, but so much better. For those of you who prefer a shortcut, a food processor works well too.
Chop the Veggies: While your chickpeas are ready, it’s time to chop the green onion, celery, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and pickles. Add them to the bowl with your chickpeas.
Mix It All Together: Stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, dried dill (or fresh), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Add the Extras: Fold in the sunflower seeds and chopped basil. Don’t be shy here—you can always adjust to your taste.
Assemble Your Sandwich: Grab your multigrain bread and pile on the chickpea salad. Top with arugula or romaine lettuce and any optional extras like sliced tomatoes or red onion. Add a spread of spicy mustard, hummus, or mayo if you’re feeling fancy. Press it all together and take a big, glorious bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chickpea salad sandwich is a meal prep hero! It makes enough for four sandwiches and stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. I often make a big batch on Sunday, and it’s ready to go for quick lunches during the week. It’s also super versatile: serve it as a wrap, on crackers, or even over a bed of greens for a light salad.
And let’s not forget the texture—the sunflower seeds add the perfect crunch, while the basil brings a pop of freshness that ties everything together. If you’re like me and have a love-hate relationship with mayonnaise, you’ll appreciate how the mustard balances everything out beautifully.
A Note on Customization
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Not a fan of dill pickles? Try capers or olives. Need more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. It’s your sandwich, your rules!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. If you try it, let me know how it turns out! You can tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your creations. Until next time, happy eating, and remember—nourishing your body can be simple and delicious!
