Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chickpea Tuna Salad
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup diced roasted red peppers
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon capers
- ½ cup sliced kalamata olives
- 2 5-ounce cans albacore tuna
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds
- Romaine or butter lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a mason jar or bowl. Shake or whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well emulsified and set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, diced roasted red peppers, halved grape tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, capers, and sliced kalamata olives. Toss these ingredients gently to mix evenly.
- Add Tuna: Gently fold in the albacore tuna cans without breaking up the pieces too much to keep the texture of the salad hearty and appealing.
- Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Next, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil, distributing them evenly throughout the salad for flavor and freshness.
- Dress the Salad: Give the dressing another quick shake or whisk, then pour it over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Arrange a bed of romaine or butter lettuce on plates or a serving platter. Spoon the chickpea tuna salad over the lettuce, and sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds to add a satisfying crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To toast slivered almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Cool before adding to salad.
- You can substitute canned chickpeas with freshly cooked chickpeas if preferred for a fresher taste.
- For an extra tangy dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette mixture.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but you can substitute with fresh parsley or mint if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free