Name: Chickpea Tuna Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American

January 28, 2026

This chickpea tuna salad is a quick, nourishing, and flavorful favorite, especially in spring and summer when the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove. I've loved tuna with pickles since I was a kid, and now that I've discovered the magic of fresh herbs, they've become a must in the mix. By adding chickpeas, you get a double boost of protein and fiber, plus extra heartiness that makes it perfect for meal prep. Instead of the usual mayo, this version uses a creamy, tangy tahini dressing that's dairy-free and unbelievably good.

From the Cook

1/6

Chickpea Tuna Salad

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Ingredients

WarningFish and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients - Chop and measure all base salad ingredients. Rinse and drain chickpeas and tuna.

Mix Salad Base - In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, tuna, red onion, celery, capers, pickles, and fresh dill.

Make the Dressing - In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, water, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Tahini can clump at first, so keep whisking through this stage. If it seizes, add a little extra water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it loosens.

Combine - Pour the dressing over the salad base and toss until evenly coated.

Chill (Optional) - For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Chickpea Texture Hack 🥫
Drain and pat chickpeas completely dry before mixing to prevent a watery salad and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
Tahini Dressing Perfection 🥄
Whisk tahini dressing thoroughly and let it sit for 5 minutes before mixing to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal creaminess.
Pickle Precision 🥒
Finely dice pickles and drain excess liquid to prevent diluting the salad's texture while maximizing bright, tangy flavor.
Herb Freshness Boost 🌿
Chop fresh dill immediately before adding to the salad to preserve its volatile oils and maximize aromatic impact.
Flavor Marrying Technique 🧊
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more complex flavor profile.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.