Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 (Sandwiches)
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Calories
513 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch
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Cuisine
International
Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt
Description
The sandwich filling is made by mashing rinsed chickpeas to a coarse texture and combining them with vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped shallot or red onion, and diced dill pickles. Salt and pepper are added for seasoning and balance. The filling maintains some texture rather than becoming a smooth paste.
Slices of vegan cheddar cheese (either homemade or store-bought) are spread or layered on buttered bread slices in a skillet to melt over medium heat. The chickpea mixture is then added on top of the cheese, and the sandwich is cooked to create a warm, melty vegan alternative to the traditional tuna melt.
This sandwich offers a creamy, tangy, and satisfying vegan option with familiar flavors and textures. It works well for lunch or a casual dinner.
Note that preparation time does not include making the vegan cheddar cheese if making from scratch. Nutritional information is approximate and based on typical store-bought vegan cheese and bread.
Ingredients
- 1 batch vegan cheddar cheese or sub 4-8 slices store-bought vegan cheese - we like Chao, easy
- 1 (15-oz.) chickpeas canned, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 2 Tbsp vegan mayonnaise (for store-bought, we like Follow Your Heart Vegenaise)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/8 tsp each salt sea salt
- 1/8 tsp each black pepper sea salt
- 1-2 Tbsp shallot or sub red onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp dill pickle finely chopped
- 8 lices bread any style of bread will work, including gluten-free // we used average-size sandwich bread
- 4 Tbsp vegan butter (for buttering bread // we like Miyokos)
Instructions
- If you want to use the Easy Vegan Cheddar Cheese and haven’t already made it, start making it now. Then it’s sandwich time!
- Thoroughly rinse and drain your chickpeas and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid. Place the chickpeas in a medium mixing bowl and use a potato masher or fork to mash them until no large pieces of chickpeas remain but before it becomes too smooth or pasty — you want some texture.
- To the chickpeas, add the vegan mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper, shallot, and pickles, and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust, adding more mayonnaise for creaminess, dijon for brightness, or black pepper for a kick.
- Heat a medium cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- In the meantime, butter one side of each slice of bread. Once the skillet is hot, place a slice of bread butter side down in the pan, then carefully spread a semi-thick layer (3-4 Tbsp) of vegan cheddar cheese on the bread (or place a slice or two of cheese down if using store bought). Top the cheese with a heaping 1/3 cup of the vegan “tuna,” spreading it out evenly with a fork. Place another slice of bread, butter side up, on top of the “tuna.”
- Cook the sandwich over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, peeking at the underside of the bread to see if it’s getting nicely toasty. Once the bottom slice of bread is golden, flip! Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until both sides are nice and golden brown and crispy and the cheese appears melty and gooey (covering the pan can help melt the cheese; lower the heat as needed if browning too quickly).
- Repeat with remaining bread, cheese, and “tuna.” Then enjoy! These sandwiches pair beautifully with soup or salads.
- Best when fresh. Chickpea “tuna” can be made ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Not freezer friendly.
Notes
- If making vegan cheddar cheese from scratch, start preparation early as it takes extra time.
- Drain and pat chickpeas dry well before mashing to avoid overly wet filling.
- Mash chickpeas to a coarse texture, avoiding paste consistency to retain some bite.
- Use any bread type, including gluten-free varieties, and vegan butter for grilling.
- Nutritional info is an estimate using store-bought vegan cheese and sandwich bread.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4(Sandwiches)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 513 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1sandwich | |
| Calories | 513 | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 61.4g | 20% |
| Protein | 14.1g | 28% |
| Fat | 24.7g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 12.4g | 62% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.57g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.32g | 2% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 864mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 310mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 13.8g | 55% |
| Sugar | 12.5g | 25% |
| Vitamin A | 30IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 70mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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