Tuna Chickpea Protein Bowl (Print Version)

A vibrant protein bowl combining tuna, chickpeas, fresh veggies, and lemon dressing—easy and nutritious.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein & Legumes

01 - 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 (5 oz each) cans tuna in water, drained

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small cucumber, diced
05 - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

→ Dressing

08 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

14 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and kalamata olives if using.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes over the salad.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 2 days to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes flat with zero cooking required
  • The flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge
02 -
  • The red onion mellow out significantly after an hour in the dressing so do not be afraid of the raw bite
  • Drain the tuna really well because extra water makes the dressing separate and turn watery
03 -
  • Let the salad sit for at least ten minutes before eating so the chickpeas absorb some of the dressing
  • Double the dressing recipe and save the extra for salads throughout the week
Go Back