Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

For some reason, I have a hard time being creative with lunches that I can take to work with me. I think part of it is laziness and the fact that I don't like to pre-plan the night before. I work downtown and there is so much temptation, why would I want a salad when I can get the biggest slice of veggie pizza you  have ever seen for $3.50??? Unfortunately, I can't live on veggie pizza everyday (I would like to, but my butt says otherwise ;-), so lately I have been making an effort to bring a nutritious, yet delicious lunch. Canned soup just doesn't cut it with me ~ I need something that is tasty, healthy and filling.

I came across a recipe for a chickpea sandwich spread when I first became a vegetarian. I have tinkered with the recipe and it is now one of my favourite lunches. It makes enough to do 3 sandwiches.

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

1 19oz can of chickpeas, drained & rinsed
1 stalk of celery, diced
1/4 c onion, diced
3 tbsp mayonnaise (or your favourite vegan mayo substitute)
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp dill pickle, chopped (I didn't have any, so I used relish)
salt & pepper to taste

Put chickpeas into a large mixing bow. Mash them with a potato masher until they are fairly smooth. Some people like chunky salad in their sandwiches, but I much prefer a smoother texture.

Add in all of the other ingredients and mix well. 

....yet another bowl of yumminess that I could eat with a spoon......

This chickpea salad is delicious served on your favourite toasted whole grain bread or with whole wheat crackers. 

This sandwich meets all of my lunchtime criteria: healthy, delicious, filling and satisfying - oh yeah!!

I think this is one of my favourite sandwiches since giving up meat. My other fave would have to be a Subway Veggie Delite - with lots of green olives and honey mustard!! What's your favourite sandwich? How do you keep your lunches interesting and delectable?? I'm always looking for new ideas.

Andrea