Dinner

Vegan Smashed Chickpea Sandwich Recipe

ByIsabella Vance December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Introduction

This Vegan Smashed Chickpea Sandwich is a simple, flavorful twist on a classic lunch favorite. Creamy chickpeas combined with fresh herbs and crunchy celery make for a satisfying plant-based meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy midday bite.

A close-up of a sandwich on two thick slices of multigrain bread with a rough, textured crust. Inside, there are two layers of bright green, crisp leafy lettuce, one near the top and one near the bottom. Between the lettuce layers, there is a thick, chunky layer of yellow chickpea salad mixed with small green and light brown bits, showing a soft, coarse texture. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered crumbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (15 oz/14 fl oz/398 ml) can chickpeas, rinsed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons hummus
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 ribs celery, diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons minced flat-leaf parsley
1 scallion/green onion, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
6 slices whole-grain bread (gluten-free if needed)
Mayonnaise (vegan if needed)
3 pieces lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, lemon juice, hummus, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the chickpeas until they begin to come together into a creamy filling, leaving some texture for bite.
Step 2: Stir in the diced celery, chopped dill, minced parsley, sliced scallion, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste the mixture and add more salt if needed.
Step 3: To assemble the sandwich, optionally toast two slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each slice. Top one slice with the chickpea filling and a piece of lettuce, then place the second slice on top. Repeat to make additional sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a small amount of mashed avocado to the chickpea mixture.
Use gluten-free bread to make this sandwich suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
Swap fresh dill for fresh cilantro or basil to change the flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftover chickpea filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread separate to avoid sogginess. Reassemble the sandwiches just before serving. The filling can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick sandwich held by a woman's hand, showing three main layers: two slices of multigrain brown bread with visible seeds and a rough texture on top and bottom, and a thick filling in between. The filling features a yellow, chunky mixture that looks creamy and soft, possibly egg salad or chickpea mash, combined with fresh green leafy lettuce providing a crisp texture. The background is blurred, with a white marbled texture barely visible, and the sandwich is centered in the frame, highlighting its height and fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook dried chickpeas until tender before mashing. Using canned chickpeas is quicker and more convenient for this recipe.