Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Mediterranean dish? This Lemony Chickpea Tuna Salad is not only quick and easy to whip up in just 10 minutes, but it also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition that will keep you coming back for more! Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish, this recipe combines the hearty goodness of chickpeas with the savory richness of tuna, all brightened up with a zesty lemon dressing. Dive into this vibrant salad that’s sure to impress your friends and family while keeping your health goals on track!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Open the canned tuna and drain completely, using a fine-mesh strainer to remove all liquid. Gently break the tuna into small, flaky pieces using a fork.
- Finely dice the red onion and celery into uniform small pieces, ensuring they are approximately the same size for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, flaked tuna, diced red onion, and diced celery.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice and olive oil to create a light dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon-olive oil dressing over the chickpea and tuna mixture, gently folding all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together, though this step is optional.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to preference.
- Serve chilled as a light lunch, side dish, or atop fresh greens or crusty bread.
Tips
- Rinse and Drain: Make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain the chickpeas and tuna to remove excess salt and liquid, ensuring your salad isn’t watery.
- Chill for Flavor: While it’s optional, letting the salad chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, always taste your salad and adjust the seasoning. A little extra lemon juice or a pinch of salt can elevate the dish to new heights!
- Serve Creatively: This salad is versatile! Try serving it on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or atop crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
