If you’re craving a sandwich that’s tangy, creamy, crunchy, and totally plant-powered, you’re in for a treat with these Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches. Imagine savory chickpeas and buttery avocado held together by briny dill pickles and luscious fresh herbs, all layered between hearty slices of grainy bread. This combination creates a flavor-packed lunch that’s not only simple and quick, but also packed with protein and irresistible texture. Whether you’re vegan, in need of a no-cook meal, or just hunting for a lunch that brings excitement to your mid-day break, you’ll fall for these Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for these Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches is likely already in your kitchen, and every item brings a special something to the mix. This line-up keeps things easy, fresh, and bursting with flavor—each ingredient plays an important part in making every bite memorable.
- Chickpeas: The backbone of our filling, these provide that classic nuttiness, creaminess, and a punch of plant-based protein.
- Avocado: Choose a ripe one for irresistibly creamy texture that binds all the flavors together and adds healthy fats.
- Dill Pickles: Chopped for tang and crunch, this is the ingredient that really wakes up your taste buds.
- Pickle Juice: Don’t discard this liquid gold—it adds an extra hit of briny flavor and moisture.
- Fresh Dill (or Dried): Brings an herby brightness; fresh is fabulous, but dried works in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zippy, citrusy balance to the richness of the avocado.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, savory depth without overpowering the mix.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for highlighting all the savory, tangy notes.
- Whole Grain Bread: Look for slices sturdy enough to hold that hearty filling.
- Lettuce or Spinach Leaves (Optional): Toss these on for fresh crunch and a bit of green goodness.
How to Make Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches
Step 1: Mash the Chickpeas and Avocado
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and tossing in your drained, rinsed chickpeas along with the ripe avocado. Use a sturdy fork or even a potato masher to mash the two together. You’re aiming for a mixture that is well-combined but still has some chunky bits for texture—think chunky guacamole meets chickpea salad.
Step 2: Stir in the Flavor Boosters
Add the chopped dill pickles, a couple spoonfuls of that tangy pickle juice, fresh (or dried) dill, a splash of lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until the mixture is well incorporated, evenly seasoned, and vibrantly speckled with herbs and pickles. Taste it now and tweak the seasoning if you want a little extra lemon or brine.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your slices of whole grain bread, then spread a generous amount of the chickpea-avocado mixture over one side. If you’re upsizing the flavor and texture, layer on crisp lettuce or spinach leaves. Top with another slice of bread, press down gently, and slice in half if you like. For open-faced magic, simply heap the filling onto toasted bread and enjoy as-is.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches immediately for the best flavor and texture. The filling pairs perfectly with the chewy, toasty bread and sharp pickle tang. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds—you’ll soon see why these sandwiches are a lunchtime favorite in my kitchen.
How to Serve Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches
Garnishes
So many fun finishing touches can make these sandwiches pop! Try sprinkling extra fresh dill or chives on top, adding a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a light dusting of smoked paprika for color. You could even tuck a slice of tomato or a few sprouts inside your Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches for pops of freshness and crunch.
Side Dishes
This sandwich plays beautifully alongside crisp veggie chips, a fresh kale salad, or even a handful of classic potato chips. If you’re making lunch for a crowd, whip up a simple veggie platter or a cold cucumber soup—both balance the hearty texture of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
These Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches are endlessly versatile! Serve the chickpea filling on crusty open-faced toasts, piled into lettuce wraps for a light twist, or scooped onto crackers as a casual party snack. For picnics or lunchboxes, pack the filling and bread separately and assemble right before eating to keep everything fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra filling, transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for 1–2 days, though the avocado may darken slightly—the flavors only get better as they meld. Wait to assemble the sandwiches until just before serving for the freshest experience.
Freezing
While freezing is generally not recommended due to the avocado’s tendency to change texture and color, you can prepare the chickpea mixture (minus the avocado) and freeze that for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply thaw, stir in fresh avocado, and proceed as usual!
Reheating
Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you like your bread warm and toasty, consider toasting the bread separately before assembling. Otherwise, the filling itself doesn’t need reheating—just a good stir before serving will have it ready to go.
FAQs
Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
Absolutely! White beans like cannellini or great northern beans make a good substitute. The flavor will change a bit, but you’ll still get a lovely creamy texture and satisfying bite in your Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Lemon juice in the mix helps slow browning, and keeping the filling in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the surface helps even more. Still, this is a recipe best eaten fresh within a day or two.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free bread or wraps! The filling for Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches is naturally gluten-free, so it’s hearty and satisfying no matter what you serve it on.
What are the best pickles to use?
Dill pickles are classic, but feel free to experiment! Garlic pickles or spicy varieties add even more kick to your sandwiches. Just aim for ones with lots of crunch and plenty of flavor.
Can I use this mixture as a dip or salad?
Definitely. The smash makes a phenomenal dip for veggies, pita chips, or crackers, and it’s also excellent used to fill lettuce cups or tossed as a salad topper. Double the batch—you’ll probably want leftovers!
Final Thoughts
These Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches have earned a beloved spot in my lunchtime rotation, and I hope you’ll love them too. They’re proof that you don’t need complicated cooking to create seriously satisfying food. Try them out and see just how delicious simple ingredients can be when brought together with a little love and creativity!
Print
Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Smashed Chickpea Avocado Dill Pickle Sandwiches are a delightful vegan option for a quick and flavorful lunch. Creamy avocado and protein-packed chickpeas are combined with tangy pickles and fresh herbs for a satisfying sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Chickpea Avocado Mash:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
Add-Ins:
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Assembly:
- 4–6 slices of whole grain bread
- Lettuce or spinach leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpea Avocado Mash: In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas and avocado until slightly chunky.
- Add Flavor: Mix in pickles, pickle juice, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture onto bread slices, add lettuce or spinach, and serve.
Notes
- This filling can also be used as a dip, wrap filling, or served in lettuce cups.
- Keeps well in the fridge for 1–2 days in an airtight container.
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