This is a quick and easy sandwich filling and certainly one of my husband Steve’s favorites. He’s what I lovingly refer to as a “meat and potatoes” vegan, and so am I, to some extent. We were both raised on the standard American diet which included familiar lunchbox staples such as tuna fish, chicken and egg salad sandwiches. We like veganized versions of homestyle, familiar dishes we grew up on as well as some of the more modern veggie dishes.
Interesting thing about these fillings, they are all made pretty much the same. This recipe is adaptable to chicken substitutes like soy curls and seitan and also mashed chickpeas that can stand in for tuna fish.
So this is my version, and I think it’s pretty darn close to the original in terms of flavor. I like a few high notes–sweet relish, tangy onion, crunchy celery and lots of black pepper. All of these ingredients are adjustable to suit your taste, so give it a try!
Eggless Tofu Salad
Recipe by Melanie daPonte
14 ounces Tofu, extra firm, drained
¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tbsp. Sweet relish
1 stalk Celery, finely chopped
2 tbsp. Red onion, finely chopped
½ tsp. Turmeric
1 tsp. Dill, dried
¼ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Drain tofu, squeezing out any excess liquid. Crumble with hands into large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and blend well to incorporate to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
I cannot stress enough the importance of tasting for seasoning. If you like more salt, add it now. If you like it sweeter, add more relish, etc. Make this recipe your own, and you won’t regret it.
What a great site! Can’t wait to try your Eggless Tofu Salad. Beautiful photos too!!!
Thanks, Lisa. I like your blog, too 🙂
I’ve never been a fan of egg salad so I probably wouldn’t make this but it is a great idea!
Wow, that looks so great! Can’t wait to try!
Looks great… the sandwich and bread look so good I can feel myself getting hungry 🙂 You have done your job !!!!
Thanks, Thom! The bread is homemade pumpernickel–the recipe I posted previously. I appreciate the comment 🙂
I’ve had vegan non-eggy salad before, and I’d always been so curious how to make it. These steps seem really simple— and the photos are just lovely!
Reblogged this on Tips and Treats from a Granola Girl and commented:
Had to share this recipe. I used to love tuna. I have already shared my chickpea version, but variety is a good thing.So check out Vegan Flavorista’s Tofu Tuna recipe here.
Mmm I’ve been meaning to make an egg-less egg mayonnaise sandwich for a while now but I need to get around to baking some bread for it first!
This looks great, but I was quite surprised that you didn’t use black salt in this to give it an eggy flavour – is that just due to preference?
Also I’m very curious about how you can use chickpeas to create a vegan ‘tuna’ sandwich filling! That’s something I used to eat almost daily as a non-vegan.
Hello, Sian! Thanks for the comment. I don’t like the flavor of black salt, or eggs for that matter. I find the best flavor in my cold sandwich spreads comes from a good briny mustard, sweet pickle relish, red onion and celery, along with fresh herbs. Chickpea tuna salad is a vegan staple. There are plenty of recipes online. Hope you find one you like 🙂
Melanie
How can I get pumpernickel bread recipe?Is it too difficult to make?I want to bake this particular bread.
I just happen to have a great recipe: https://veganflavorista.org/2014/03/13/pumpernickel-bread/
Thank you so much Melanie.
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy the bread baking experience. I know I do 🙂
Thanks Melanie.I’ m sure I will.
I looove eggless tofu salad! Yours looks great. I’ve never put celery in mine, will have to give it a try some time. I often do curried eggless sandwiches, sometimes with mashed chickpeas instead of tofu to mix things up a bit.
Oh, yeah, mashed chickpeas are a wonderful option!
I’ve tried this and it tastes great! Thanks!
I’ve made a similar recipe with Avocado instead of tofu and I love that, too.
Love avocado, too! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment, Robin 🙂
Yum! I am making this in the week ahead!
Great!
Looks tasty!
Thanks! It IS tasty 🙂
Wow! That looks great and reading your recipe already makes my mouth water. 🤩👍
Thanks! I hope you try the recipe 🙂