This past weekend, I finally watched Seaspiracy and although I’ve been vegan for many years now, I was shocked to hear about the devastating environmental and humanitarian consequences of even the most “sustainably sourced” tuna. I know tuna salad is a favorite of many in North America so I set out on a mission to veganize it.
Now, I’ve hated tuna my entire life, mostly because the smell of it (and most fish, for that matter) just put me off. In fact, the first time I had a “tuna” salad sandwich was at a vegan restaurant I frequented in college. It was very taste but something about the texture just didn’t feel right. It was too dense and mushy to pass for fish. This is a common problem with many vegan tuna recipes as they rely on chickpeas, white beans, or another legume for the texture. Mash them too much and you’ll end up with hummus instead of a tuna salad!
This Sesame “Tuna” Salad steers clear of that issue since the main ingredient we’re working with is artichoke. Artichoke hearts are light, easy to shred, and can mimic a variety of meaty textures. And if you’re worried about protein, don’t fret because the sesame has got you covered.
Vegan Sesame Tuna Salad (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free)
Ingredients
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp Furikake seasoning*
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay*
- 1/2 tsp umami seasoning*
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Use a pair of forks to shred the artichoke hearts. Add Furikake, Old Bay, and umami seasoning and stir to combine.
- Whisk together tahini and water until uniform. Add the tahini mixture to the shredded artichoke hearts, along with vegan mayo. Stir well, then fold in the diced onion and bell pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours. Use in sandwiches or melts. Salad lasts for about a week in the fridge.
Notes:
Seasonings and Substitutions
- You can find Furikake seasoning at Trader Joe's and most Asian markets. You can also make your own at home with sesame seeds, dried seaweed, salt, and sugar. Here is a recipe: https://www.feastingathome.com/furikake-recipe/
- Old Bay is available at most major grocery stores, in the spices aisle. Here's a homemade alternative: https://www.thespruceeats.com/old-bay-seasoning-mix-480917
- I use Trader Joe's Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend. If you don't have access to this, swap it out for 1/2 tsp red miso paste.
