OIL-FREE CRANBERRY CHICKPEA TUNA SALAD

CRANBERRY CHICKPEA TUNA SALAD

THIS RECIPE IS FROM THE BOOK "AMERICA  GOES VEGAN!" BY TRACY CHILDS AND GLEN MERZER

This is a versatile recipe: add the flavors/spices you like and change it up! It’s super easy to whip this up for a quick lunch, using your food processor. The addition of cranberries (optional) turns this everyday dish into a festive appetizer with whole-grain crackers for the holidays or any time!

(makes about 4 cups) 

3 cups cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained, and not rinsed

1-2 sheets nori (seaweed), ground into a powder in a dry blender or 1 teaspoon dulse powder

2-3 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 scallions (greens and white part), finely chopped

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon capers or 1–2 small pickles, chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup Tofu Cashew Mayo (recipe on page xxx), or to taste

2 teaspoons stone ground mustard

1 tablespoon light miso

1 tablespoon or more chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill (or parsley)

½ teaspoon turmeric

ground black pepper to taste

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ cup dried cranberries (soak to remove excess sugar and oil coating) - Gogi berries, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes are a nice substitute. 

romaine leaves, whole grain bread, crackers, or wraps/tortillas to serve 

INSTRUCTIONS

1.   Coarsely chop chickpeas in a food processor, or mash in a bowl with a fork. Do not over-process to a smooth consistency; you want it to have some texture. Place most of the beans in a bowl with chopped celery, capers, relish, and scallion, reserving about ¾ cup left in the processor to make a dressing.

2.   Add the lemon juice, mayo, mustard, miso, and herbs/spices to the reserved chickpeas and process until smooth. Add this to the bowl and fold to mix, then stir in the soaked cranberries. 

3.   Serve on romaine leaves with grated carrots, beets, and/or zucchini garnish; as a sandwich on whole wheat, rye, or pumpernickel bread; in a wrap; or with whole grain crackers or cut veggies as a snack.