Description
Discover the delicious and satisfying Irresistible Chickpea Salad Melts, a perfect vegetarian sandwich that combines creamy chickpea salad with melted sharp cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough or whole grain bread. Ideal for an easy lunch or light dinner, this recipe boasts a high protein content, quick preparation, and comforting stovetop grilling for a golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chickpea Salad
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough or whole grain bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpea Salad: In a medium bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly broken down but still retain some chunkiness for texture. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, finely chopped celery, red onion, fresh parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, then gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Evenly spread the chickpea salad mixture over two slices of bread. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to form two sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly for a minute or two, then slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based cheese to make this a dairy-free option.
- Enhance the flavor by adding pickles or avocado slices to the sandwich.
- The chickpea salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
