Vegan Cranberry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Looking for a satisfying plant-based lunch that’s quick, flavorful, and ideal for meal prep? These Vegan Cranberry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches strike the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. Made with pantry staples and tossed in a tangy dairy-free yogurt dressing, this sandwich filling is endlessly adaptable—and a favorite for everything from weekday lunches to picnic spreads. Whether you’re already plant-based or just looking for a delicious alternative to tuna or chicken salad, this recipe is one to keep in your regular rotation.
Chickpea salad is a staple in many plant-forward kitchens, and this version gets a fun twist with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor. The base is made with mashed chickpeas, which provide plant-based protein and fiber to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
I use dairy-free yogurt in the dressing to keep it creamy while staying 100% vegan. You can also swap in mashed avocado or tahini if you prefer. Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar bring brightness, while celery and red onion add that essential crunch.
I like this creamy salad served between slices of bread, but it's also great in lettuce wraps, collard green wraps, or even spooned onto crackers for a quick snack. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
If you're looking for more plant-forward sandwich ideas, I also have recipes for Sweet Potato Hummus Sandwiches, Crispy Tofu Wraps, and Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Cranberry Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients
chickpea salad:
- 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup vegan mayonaise (such as Hampton Creek Just Mayo)
- ⅓ cup walnut pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (packed)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For serving:
- whole grain bread (vegan)
- baby spinach (or another salad green)
- thinly sliced onion
Instructions
- Combine chickpeas and mayonaise and mash slightly. (I like to keep some of the chickpeas whole for texture.) Stir in walnuts, parsley, cranberries, lemon peel, lemon juice, and cayenne (if using).
- Serve on whole grain bread with baby spinach and sliced onion.
I have made this recipe a few times and i love the freshness and different flavors and textures. I have eaten it as a sandwich with the spinach and red onion on multigrain bread, and also scooping it with multi-grain Tostitos. Today, I’m tweaking it a bit with dried cherries, pecans, and some thinly chopped celery.
Those changes sound delicious, Lisa! Thank you for the review! 🙂
Oh my! this sandwich looks truly incredible! like you said, you can east this salad on bread or even with crackers! love the added dried cranberries...this is a must try
Thanks so much, Albert! It's such a versatile recipe—so many different ways to enjoy it!
Yum! That's a great formula to have!
Totally! Thanks, Becca!
This looks delicious! I love all the flavors and texture you have packed in, so filling!
Would love to have you link up with us for Meatless Monday and share your recipe.
Thanks, Sarah! It really is a satisfying sandwich. And I'd love to learn more about the Meatless Monday link-up—sounds fun!
Oh yum! I'm drooling over this sandwich..
Thanks so much, Michael! 🙂
O man, literally drooling over this sandwich! I love chickpea salad and the cranberries....that just sounds so good!
Haha, thanks Rebecca! It's a pretty great combo!! 🙂
I love this flavor combination! Lovely summer recipe!
Thanks so much Sara! Hooray for summer! 🙂
Oh wow, this sandwich looks amazing! I feel bad that I've been eating plain tomato sandwiches this week...this sandwich looks so gourmet - I really need to step up my sandwich game 😀 I'll definitely be trying this out (and it looks like something my kids will enjoy too!) <3
Haha, thanks Kyra! Tomato sandwiches sound great too! 🙂 Hope you and your kids love this sandwich, let me know how it goes! 🙂
What a delicious way to eat chickpeas! I don't think I've ever put them on a sandwich other than as hummus. Really brilliant! Sharing!
Thanks so much, Vanessa! I just started adding chickpeas to sandwiches without pureeing them into a hummus and I love the added texture they offer. So yummy! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This looks like the perfect lunchbox or picnic item! Love chickpeas, but never thought to put them in a salad like this 🙂
Thanks, Tara! There are just so many things to do with chickpeas, I feel like I discover a new way of incorporating them every day!
What a tasty alternative to chicken salad! I could totally see myself eating this for lunch, pinning 🙂
Thank you Rachel! Let me know if you try it, hope you love as much as I do! 🙂