Vegan Tuna (Best Brands + Easy Recipe)
As the demand for sustainable and cruelty-free food options continues to rise, the spotlight on vegan alternatives intensifies. Traditional tuna, a staple in many diets, faces scrutiny due to overfishing and environmental concerns.
Enter vegan tuna, a compassionate and planet-friendly solution that not only aligns with ethical choices but also promises a delicious alternative for fish lovers. What sets these alternatives apart is their dedication to replicating the taste and texture of tuna without compromising on sustainability. From ocean-friendly ingredients to cutting-edge manufacturing processes, these brands are making waves in the vegan landscape.
So, whether you’re motivated by environmental consciousness, ethical considerations, or simply an adventurous palate, vegan tuna beckons as a promising and satisfying choice that transcends the limitations of conventional seafood consumption. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the diverse and mouthwatering options that await!
What is Vegan Tuna Made Of?
Homemade version are often made with chickpeas but vegan tuna can be made from a variety of other plant-based ingredients! Some other versions of vegan tuna include:
- Jackfruit – Due to its meat-like texture, jackfruit can make an excellent vegan tuna salad recipe. Just make sure to sauté it for a few minutes before tossing with the other ingredients! Try our jackfruit tuna and see for yourself just how delicious it can be!
- Artichokes – Simple yet delicious, artichokes make a great gluten-free and soy-free tuna substitution! This artichoke tuna salad sandwich recipe comes together in just a few minutes with essentials such as vegan mayo and chopped veggies.
- Tofu – You can do basically anything with tofu, which includes making a vegan tuna salad! Just chop it into small chunks, add your favorite veggies like celery, red bell pepper, and red onion, add a little vegan mayo, some seasoning, and a dash of seaweed for fish-like flavor!
- Textured Vegetable Protein – This is a popular option with commercial brands to replicate the flaky texture of tuna.
- Algal Oils – Some brands may also incorporate algae-derived oils to capture the essence of fish oil.
Best Vegan Tuna Brands
Loma Linda Tuno
Loma Linda’s Tuno is a revolutionary tuna alternative that offers a convenient and tasty alternative to traditional tuna, crafted from plant-based proteins for a satisfyingly savory experience. Try the Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato Tuno, Sriracha Tuno, Thai Sweet Chili Tuno, Spring Water Tuno, or Lemon Pepper Tuno. Perfect for salads, sushi, and sandwiches.
Good Catch Plant-Based Tuna
Crafted with a blend of legumes and algae, Good Catch offers a satisfyingly authentic tuna experience without the fish. Their vegan tuna pouches come in three different flavors: Naked in Water, Mediterranean, and Oil and Herbs.
Jinka Plant-Based Tuna
Jinka’s innovative recipe combines plant proteins and natural flavors to create a tuna alternative that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Dive into three different varieties including original, spicy and lemon & dill.
UnMEAT Tuna Style Flakes
Unmeat’s tuna-style flakes deliver the perfect balance of taste and texture, providing a savory addition to salads, sandwiches, and beyond. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Lily’s Vegan Pantry Tuna
Lily’s Vegan Party, formerly Mah Wah, has a delicious vegan tuna that boasts a blend of plant-based ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of traditional tuna. Simply add chopped vegetables, vegan mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create an easy vegan tuna salad
All Vegetarian Inc. Vegan Tuna
All Vegetarian Inc. created a savory and satisfying option for those seeking a vegan tuna without compromising on taste. It’s great for a tuna salad, a hearty tuna melt, or just as a protein-packed snack.
How to Use Vegan Tuna
Vegan tuna can be enjoyed in a variety of ways similar to how you would with traditional tuna! Check them out below:
- World of Wraps – Want a lunch that’s both delicious and beautiful? These Rainbow Lavash Wraps are a great way to enjoy your vegan tuna while getting a whole array of color in your meal! Or grab your favorite tortilla or collard wrap, toss some vegan tuna salad into it, and bam! You’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and easy lunch. Enjoy with a side of zucchini fries for an A+ lunch.
- Serve Up A Sandwich – Simple and straightforward, you can’t go wrong with making yourself a tuna sandwich! You could even turn up the heat by making a tuna melt with some your favorite vegan sliced cheese!
- Side of Soup, Please – Soup and a sandwich is a fantastic way to enjoy lunch. Our Easy Vegan Squash & Cauliflower Soup, One-Pot Sweet Potato Soup, or Cozy Cream of Broccoli Soup would all go great with your vegan tuna sandwich!
- Fries Forever – Fries are a sandwich (and burger’s) best friend! Keep it classic with Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges, sweeten it up with Sweet Potato Fries, or party with some Herbed Vegan Polenta Fries.
How to Make Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad
Have you ever tried chickpea tuna salad? It’s a delicious vegan tuna salad option that’s fish-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free.
This chickpea salad is a healthier spin on traditional tuna salad. It’s packed with plant protein and it is easy to whip up for lunch throughout the week. I often double the recipe as it stores beautifully in the fridge for several days.
You can serve this vegan tuna salad on a sandwich, on open-faced toast, in lettuce cups, or just dive in with a spoon. It really is that good.
Easy Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup vegan mayo
- ¼ cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas (or two if you’re doubling the recipe).
- In a large bowl, roughly smash chickpeas using a potato masher or fork. Leave them a little chunky for optimal texture.
- Add all remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Serve on a sandwich, in lettuce cups, or eat it right out of the bowl.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad photos by Zhoro Apostolov for World of Vegan™, all rights reserved.
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Leave a Comment
I made this for the first time and loved it. So did my husband. I’ve been looking for a good lunch alternative. Thank you!
I’m so hooked on this recipe. Since I discovered it, I’ve been making it probably every month. I toss it on some spinach or romaine lettuce with avocado and makes a delicious meal! Yummy!
So glad you’re loving it, Bailey!!
This is an awesome meal prep recipe! So so delicious!
Best quick lunch recipe EVER! This on some lettuce wraps is amazing!
I LOVE Chickpea Tuna Salad! Yum!
The chickpea tuna is an all time staple for me! I used to love tuna before so now I just batch make chickpea tuna to add to my meals 🙂
My favorite meal of all time!! I used to live on tuna sandwiches when I was younger and this recipe is even BETTER than that. Perfect flavor, texture and so satisfying because of the chickpeas. I sometimes add a slice of vegan Chao cheese and grill my sandwich for a Chickpea “Tuna” Supermelt. Craving this sandwich right now 😀
This vegan tuna salad is one of my favorite lunchtime staples. Love that it’s just as good the next day—and the next! And I’ve served it to many non-vegans who all raved about it. Chickpea tuna for the win!!
This recipe is so easy and delicious! A true lunch staple!