Flavor-Packed Chipotle Chickpea Salad (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Nichole Dandrea-Russert
May 12, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Jun 19

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed plant-based dish you can whip up in minutes? This chipotle chickpea salad might just become your new go-to. Made with pantry staples and fresh veggies, this recipe is a delicious multitasker—perfect as a wrap filling, sandwich spread, protein-packed salad topper, or even a crowd-pleasing party dip.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allergen-adaptable, and customizable to your spice tolerance.

Whether you’re hosting a picnic or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this easy chickpea salad delivers big on taste and nutrition.

Why Chickpeas Are a Nutritional Powerhouse

This salad is more than just tasty—it’s loaded with nutrients that support energy, digestion, heart health, and beyond. At the heart of the recipe is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans.

These legumes are:

Rich in plant-based protein, offering around 15 grams per cup
Packed with fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety
A good source of iron, essential for energy and oxygen transport
High in folate and manganese, supporting brain function and metabolism
Loaded with tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin (your feel-good neurotransmitter!)

Add to that the healthy fats from almonds or avocado (depending on your preference), and you’ve got a balanced, protein-rich meal or snack that supports energy and mood—without the mid-afternoon crash.

The spices used in this salad—like cumin, paprika, garlic, and cayenne—aren’t just for flavor. They also offer anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits. Cayenne, in particular, may support metabolism and circulation, while garlic and paprika deliver potent antioxidants.

Versatile Ways to Serve Chipotle Chickpea Salad

This salad is endlessly versatile and can be transformed based on your cravings or the occasion. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy it include:

As a wrap in collard greens, romaine leaves, or a whole-grain tortilla
Stuffed into pita pockets or whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich
Scooped over cooked grains like brown rice, farro, or quinoa
Topped on crackers or cucumber slices for easy, protein-rich snacks
As part of a vegan charcuterie board for gatherings
In lettuce cups or celery sticks for fun finger food

Hosting a crowd? Omit the almonds for a nut-free version and tone down the spice for a more universally appealing dish. It's a great meal prep option, too—it stays fresh for several days in the fridge and only gets more flavorful over time.

Recipe: Chipotle Chickpea Salad

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: none

Ingredients

1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained or 1 1/2 cups homemade chickpeas
1/4 cup slivered or sliced almonds
4 Tbsp vegan mayo of choice (I used Fabanaise for this recipe but Follow Your Heart is another great option) OR, for oil-free, use 1 whole avocado, smashed with a fork
1 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut nectar
1 tsp smoked paprika powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne powder (optional if you like a little spice)
1/4 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
black pepper to taste
a squeeze of one lime
1/4 c chopped celery
1/2 c sliced green onion
1/2 c cilantro, chopped (optional)

Make it a sandwich with any or all of the following:

4–5 large washed collard green leaves or whole-grain bread of choice
sliced radish
cucumbers
sprouts
pickles or pickled onions
tomato
sprinkle of hemp seeds

Directions

Add the chickpeas and almonds to a large mixing bowl and lightly mash with a fork so that about half of the chickpeas and almonds are mashed and half are still whole.
To a separate small bowl, add the mayo (or avocado), maple syrup or coconut nectar, lime juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne powder, if using, and sea salt. Mix well.
Transfer the mayo (or avocado) mixture to the chickpeas and almonds. Mix well to coat the chickpeas and almonds.
Stir in the celery, green onion and cilantro, if using.
Open the washed and dried collard green leaves or other leafy green like romaine and add a healthy portion of the chickpea salad. Add other plant-based ingredients you love like radish, tomato, purple onion, sprouts or hemp seeds for more texture, flavor and nutrition. Alternatively, in place of leafy greens, you can make this into a wrap or sandwich by adding the salad to a whole-grain tortilla or to two sliced of whole-grain bread.

chipotle chickpea salad — The chickpea salad will keep covered in the fridge for up to five days, making it great for a grab-and-go lunch or snack!

Final Thoughts

This spicy, smoky chickpea salad is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—or time-consuming. It’s fast, flavorful, and full of whole-food ingredients that nourish your body and support plant-powered living.

Whether you’re plant-based for your health, the planet, or the animals, this dish checks all the boxes. Give it a try and let us know—how are you serving yours?

Nutrition Information

Per serving (4 servings): 296 calories, 41 grams carbohydrates (32 grams net carbohydrates), 9 grams fiber, 9 grams protein, 15 grams fat, 461 milligrams sodium

Good source of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc

Excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, copper, manganese