Tuna Chickpea Protein Bowl (Printable)

Protein-packed bowl featuring tuna, chickpeas, crisp veggies, and a bright lemon dressing for easy meals.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine chickpeas, tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and kalamata olives if using.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and red pepper flakes on top, if desired.
05 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 15 minutes with zero cooking, so even on chaotic mornings it feels doable.
  • You get more protein than most salads without feeling like you're eating chicken breast number seven this week.
  • The lemon dressing somehow makes canned tuna taste like something you'd actually crave.
02 -
  • Cold salads actually taste better the next day after the flavors have time to mingle, so don't hesitate to make this ahead.
  • If you're not eating it immediately, wait to add feta until just before eating or it gets weepy and weird.
03 -
  • Make your dressing in the bottom of your bowl first, then add vegetables on top so they don't get soggy while waiting to be tossed.
  • Keep a small container of extra dressing in the fridge because this salad somehow tastes even better with a little extra drizzle the next day.
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