Mock Tuna Salad

Over the last couple of years I have been pretty faithful to the chickpea salad at the health food store I shop at. They have this totally vegan diner in the back that is out of this world. Don't get me started on the Awesome Wrap. Anyway, I have been wanting to try making my own chickpea salad at home. I finally purchased a jar of Vegenaise (egg- and dairy-free mayo) at an Amish store that sells outdated, dented or discontinued items from grocery stores at ridiculously low prices. I spent a whole 50 cents on the jar, then proceeded to find a great recipe on the internet. My google search turned up this little treasure...a Mock Tuna Salad from Yeah, That "Vegan" Shit.

As promised, this recipe will make you "scream with unbridled pleasure." I couldn't believe how delicious it was. It is as close to tuna salad as you're gonna get without killing any fish. I couldn't stop eating it. I was eating it with a fork out of the bowl after my sandwich was gone. Then yesterday I made another batch and ate it on a whole wheat pita with some baby greens.

For those of you that have never tried nutritional yeast, or who don't even know what the heck it is, you can buy it at a health food store or co-op. I get mine in the refrigerator of the bulk section for like $7 a pound (but it would take a LOT to get a pound). It comes in these yellow flakes. I started using it to make a fake cheese sauce for Grace, but have began using it to add flavor to other recipes. I think it's delicious, but not everyone loves it. It's unbelievably good for you...full of protein and vitamins and folic acid. Many vegans and vegetarians use it for protein and making cheesy recipes without the cheese. You could make this salad without the nutritional yeast, of course, but I think that little bit, along with the soy sauce, adds to the depth of the flavors. Yummy. I will be taking this on picnics and eating this all summer long.

It's a beautiful day so I need to get my butt outside.