Thymed Tuna-Bean Salad
A vibrant, flavorful salad combining chickpeas, black beans, fresh vegetables, and thyme, perfect for a light, nutritious meal or side dish with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper ⓘ
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced diagonally ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup loosely packed celery leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 small escarole lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme, sugar, and cracked black pepper.
- Let the dressing stand for 15 minutes.
- Whisk the dressing again, then toss in the drained garbanzo beans, black beans, sliced celery, sliced carrots, chopped red onion, and celery leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using fresh thyme instead of dried, or even mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. If you don't have garbanzo beans, kidney beans or any other white beans can be a great substitute. This salad can also be enhanced with diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect on its own or served alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus. It can also be a great addition to a Mediterranean recipes spread, offering a hearty yet refreshing option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, gently warm the beans in a microwave, but it's also delicious served cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thymed Tuna-Bean Salad contains roughly 446 calories, with 19g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value), and iron (111% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tuna in this salad?
Absolutely! Canned tuna can be a fantastic addition to this salad, adding more protein and flavor. Just drain the tuna and mix it in with the beans and vegetables for an even heartier dish.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. It stays good for a few days in the fridge, making it a convenient option for lunches.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition. You could also mix in some diced avocado for creaminess, which pairs beautifully with the lemon dressing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).