Name: Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna packed in olive oil, drained; 8 ounces English or Persian cucumbers, finely chopped; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 3 tablespoons tahini (plus 3 tablespoons water); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt plus a few twists of black pepper; Zest and juice of 1 lemon (~2 to 3 tablespoons juice)

Why Make This Recipe

This Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad is a refreshing and nutritious meal option that combines delightful flavors and textures. It is packed with protein from tuna and chickpeas, making it a filling choice for lunch or dinner. The zesty lemon dressing pairs perfectly with the creamy tahini, adding a unique twist to the traditional tuna salad. This recipe is also flexible and can cater to various dietary preferences, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.

How to Make Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad

Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 (5-ounce) cans tuna packed in olive oil, drained
8 ounces English or Persian cucumbers, finely chopped
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
3 tablespoons tahini (plus 3 tablespoons water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt plus a few twists of black pepper
Zest and juice of 1 lemon (~2 to 3 tablespoons juice)

Directions:

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, olive oil, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, fine sea salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, tuna, cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion, pine nuts (or almonds), and dill. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until mixed well.
Season: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately with bread, lettuce cups, or as you desire.

How to Serve Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad

You can serve this salad in several ways. It goes wonderfully in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or simply on its own as a refreshing bowl. Pair it with whole wheat pita or toast for a complete meal.

How to Store Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers might lose some crunch as time goes by, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Tips to Make Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix it well before adding to the salad.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap tuna for shredded chicken or use a different type of nut or cheese to suit your taste.
Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or avocados for more nutrients and flavors.

Variation

For a vegan version, replace tuna with diced avocado or extra chickpeas. You can also omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad, but it’s best to add cucumbers right before serving to keep them crisp.

2. How can I make the dressing healthier?
You can reduce the amount of olive oil or use a lighter tahini to make the dressing lower in calories.

3. What else can I add to the salad?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even olives for more flavor and variety.