Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers the punchy, addictive flavor of buffalo sauce in a wholesome, protein-packed, vegan-friendly format. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare—just 15 minutes from start to finish—and the fact that it’s entirely customizable to suit your spice preference. The combination of creamy tahini, zesty lemon, and crisp vegetables makes each bite refreshing and hearty at the same time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Buffalo Chickpea Salad:

• 1, 15 oz can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp unsweetened plain plant based yogurt
• 2 tbsp good quality tahini
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 2-3 tbsp buffalo sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 slices of whole wheat bread
• For the Slaw:
• 1 1/2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp unsweetened plain plant based yogurt
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dry dill
• 1/2 tsp dry parsley
• 2-3 tbsp water

Directions

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, smoked paprika, ground coriander, garlic, yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, and salt. Mix well. Adjust consistency with small splashes of water if needed.

3. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.

4. In another bowl, whisk together tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley until thick. Add water to thin slightly.

5. Stir in cabbage and celery until fully coated in the dressing.

6. Assemble sandwiches by layering chickpea salad on a slice of bread, topping with slaw, and closing with another slice. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3 sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Use hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a slightly different heat profile.

• Add sunflower seeds or sesame seeds for extra crunch.

• Serve as a wrap, on toasted bread, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

• Swap in vegan mayonnaise for yogurt if you prefer a richer dressing.

• Add sliced avocado or tomato for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store chickpea salad and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to avoid soggy bread. This recipe is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the chickpea salad and slaw up to 3 days in advance and store them separately.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or wraps.

3. Can I use canned white beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes, white beans will work, though the texture will be softer.

4. How spicy is this sandwich?

The spice level depends on how much buffalo sauce you add. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

5. Can I freeze the chickpea salad?

Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the chickpeas and the creaminess of the dressing.

6. What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Whole wheat or multigrain bread works well, but you can also use sourdough or a soft sandwich roll.

7. Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, cucumbers, lettuce, or shredded carrots are great additions for extra crunch.

8. Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, just ensure your buffalo sauce is oil-free and use plain tahini and yogurt without added oils.

9. Does this work as a lettuce wrap filling?

Absolutely, it makes a great low-carb lettuce wrap option.

10. Can I serve this warm?

You can lightly toast the bread if you prefer warmth, but the filling itself is best served cold.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed lunch that’s perfect for busy days. With its spicy, creamy filling and crunchy slaw, it’s a plant-based meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s versatile, easy to adapt to your taste preferences, and a great option for both meal prep and spontaneous lunches.

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