This salad is fast to make, nourishing, and full of bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The lemony tahini dressing adds creaminess without heaviness, while chickpeas and tuna provide lasting energy. It’s versatile, meal-prep friendly, and delicious on its own or tucked into wraps and sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed Canned tuna, drained Red onion, finely chopped Celery, finely chopped Cucumber, diced Fresh parsley, chopped
For the lemon tahini dressing Tahini Fresh lemon juice Olive oil Garlic, minced Salt Black pepper Water, as needed for thinning
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas and tuna, gently breaking up the tuna.
Add red onion, celery, cucumber, and parsley, mixing until evenly distributed.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add water a little at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately or chill briefly for enhanced flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with no cooking required, making total time approximately 15 minutes.
Variations
You can use white beans instead of chickpeas for a softer texture. Swap tuna for canned salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegan version, omit the tuna and add extra chickpeas or diced avocado. Add cumin or paprika to the dressing for extra depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken slightly.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep and tastes better after chilling.
What type of tuna should I use?
Albacore or light tuna packed in water works best.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the dressing without tahini?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a different flavor and texture.
How do I thin thick tahini dressing?
Add water gradually while whisking until smooth.
Can I eat this as a sandwich filling?
Yes, it’s excellent in pita pockets, wraps, or sandwiches.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Can I add greens to this salad?
Absolutely, serve it over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
What can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh dill or cilantro are great alternatives.
Does lemon juice overpower the dressing?
No, it balances the tahini, but you can reduce it to taste.
Conclusion
Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad is a fresh, wholesome recipe that’s as convenient as it is flavorful. With its creamy dressing, bright citrus notes, and satisfying texture, it’s a go-to option for healthy meals you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Lemon Tahini Chickpea Tuna Salad is a fresh, protein-packed salad made with chickpeas, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy lemon tahini dressing that’s bright and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup tahini
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2–4 tablespoons water, as needed
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas and tuna, gently breaking up the tuna.
Add the red onion, celery, cucumber, and parsley, mixing until evenly combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Add water gradually while whisking until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
The dressing will thicken as it chills; stir before serving.White beans can replace chickpeas for a softer texture.Serve in wraps, pita pockets, or over greens.Add cumin or paprika for extra flavor depth.
