Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

Evelyn Miller
Evelyn Miller
Published: May 5, 2026
Categories: Salads, Sandwiches
Tags: healthy, Vegetarian, High-Protein, Quick Lunch, Easy Recipe

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A zesty, protein-packed chickpea salad served on toasted sourdough with avocado. A quick and delicious lunch.

Prep Time:8 minCook Time:2 minTotal Time:10 minServings:2Difficulty:Easy

This smashed chickpea salad sandwich is my absolute go-to when I want a lunch that is both satisfying and incredibly fast to whip up. It is essentially a plant-based take on a classic tuna or chicken salad, using chickpeas as the base for a hearty texture that holds up beautifully against tangy lemon and fresh garden herbs.

What I love most about this recipe is its sheer versatility; you can pile it high on sourdough, stuff it into a whole-wheat pita, or even serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. The combination of creamy avocado and crunchy red onion provides a wonderful contrast that makes every bite feel like a treat from your favorite local deli.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:620 kcal
Protein:20 g
Carbs:79 g
Fat:26 g

Directions

  1. 1
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a medium mixing bowl and mash them roughly with a fork until most are broken but some texture remains.

  2. 2
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the chickpeas.

  3. 3
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Stir everything together until well combined, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

  4. 4
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Toast the sourdough bread slices until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.

  5. 5
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and slice the flesh thinly. Arrange the avocado slices on two of the toasted bread pieces.

  6. 6
    Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Avocado

    Divide the chickpea salad evenly over the avocado, top with the remaining bread slices, and cut in half to serve.

Ingredients

  • Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed:15 oz
  • Mayonnaise:2 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard:1 tsp
  • Fresh lemon juice:1 tbsp
  • Red onion, finely diced:2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped:1 tbsp
  • Sourdough bread slices:4 pieces
  • Ripe avocado:1 piece
  • Salt and black pepper:1 to taste

Tips & Notes

  • To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based mayo or a tablespoon of tahini.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpea mixture.
  • For extra crunch, try adding a tablespoon of chopped celery or sunflower seeds.