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Simple Chickpea tuna Salad with Veggies
Emily Hart

Chickpea Tuna Salad Recipe

This bright, citrusy chickpea tuna salad is crisp, hearty, and weeknight-friendly. It comes together fast with canned chickpeas, tuna, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing perfect for lunch, light dinner, meal prep, or potlucks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: All
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
  • 2 cans tuna
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, grated or very finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)

Equipment

  • colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cool water. Let them sit in a colander for a few minutes to drip-dry (pat dry if you have time). If desired, lightly press a few chickpeas with the back of a fork to help them absorb the dressing.
  2. Prep the vegetables and herbs: dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red bell pepper, and slice the red onion very thin. If onion is too strong, soak in cold water for 5 minutes and drain. Chop parsley and mint.
  3. Whisk the dressing in a small bowl: lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. If too sharp, add a small drizzle of honey.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tuna, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and herbs. Pour dressing over the top and fold gently until evenly coated. Let rest at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 9gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

For best texture, drain and rinse chickpeas well, then let them drip-dry (or pat dry) so the dressing clings. If red onion tastes too sharp, soak sliced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain. Let the salad rest at least 15 minutes before serving so flavors bloom. Store airtight in the fridge up to 4 days; stir and refresh with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Optional: add 1 teaspoon honey to the dressing if your lemons are extra tart.

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