Salads
Tuna and Chickpea Salad
This easy Tuna and Chickpea Salad is a protein-rich, no-cook recipe that is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner. Mashed chickpeas create a creamy, hearty base, while tuna adds additional protein and savory flavor. Red onion, celery, capers, fresh herbs, lemon, and nori add freshness, texture, and a subtle briny finish. Serve it in a sandwich, pile it onto toast, or spoon it over a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans albacore tuna, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 sheet nori, crushed into flakes or finely chopped
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
Mash the Chickpeas
Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas until they are mostly broken down but still have some texture.
- 2
Add the Tuna and Dressing
Add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce, mustard, and crushed nori to the bowl. Stir until the tuna and chickpeas are evenly coated.
- 3
Add the Vegetables and Herbs
Add the red onion, celery, parsley or dill, capers, and lemon juice. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- 4
Season the Salad
Add the salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, mustard, or lemon juice as needed.
- 5
Serve
Serve the tuna and chickpea salad in a sandwich, on toasted bread, in lettuce cups, or over a green salad.
Recipe Notes
- Mash the chickpeas as smoothly or as coarsely as you prefer. Leaving some chickpeas partially intact gives the salad more texture.
- Nori adds a subtle ocean-inspired flavor that complements the tuna. Kitchen shears make it easy to cut the sheet into small pieces.
- For meal prep, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a small squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
Per 1 serving
Estimated per serving. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, and portion size. This is general information, not medical or nutrition advice.
Check every ingredient against your own allergies and dietary needs. See our Health & Nutrition Disclaimer.
