Chickpea & Tuna Salad
Chickpea Tuna Salad is a wholesome, make-ahead lunch meal that is also high in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients which will keep you satiated longer and helps the detox process. Chickpeas are high in fiber, especially soluble fiber which makes bowel movements easier and more regular. Tuna contains unsaturated fats which helps the body absorb vitamins, reduce inflammation, and helps balance hormones. Don’t like tuna? Replace it with salmon which has the same nutritional benefits as tuna!
The formula for a detox smoothie includes a base liquid + a base ingredient + creamy ingredient + greens + seeds/herbs.
A Base Liquid: includes filtered water, coconut water, unsweetened nut milk, fresh apple or orange juice, herbal or green tea, or unsweetened kefir.
A Base Ingredient: can be any fresh fruit like apple, orange, kiwi, berries, pineapple, mango, and peaches, or a fruit like cucumber or beets.
A Creamy Ingredient: banana, avocado, unsweetened natural yoghurt, blanched almonds or nut butter, or even cauliflower (yes! even cauliflower which is actually tasteless but adds a great creamy texture).
Greens - kale, spinach, beet greens, or arugula are great additions.
Seeds/Herbs - adding fiber and filling chia, hemp or flaxseeds and/or herbs like ginger can aid in stomach upset, bloat, and even extra fat-burning fire.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
1 can (5 oz) tuna or salmon (look for pole- or line-caught for the more earth-friendly option)
2 stalks of celery finely chopped
1/4 red onion minced
2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Optional: 1 tbsp of roughly chopped capers or green olives and/or 1 boiled egg for extra protein
2 tbsp mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Drain and rinse chickpeas. Air dry or dry with a paper towel and then put into a medium bowl.
Add tuna, celery, onion, dill, and capers and/or egg to the chickpeas.
In a separate bowl, combine mayo, oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper, and hot sauce and combine.
Add dressing to the chickpea and tuna bowl and mix together.
Serve over a green salad or with cucumber slices or Mary’s Crackers.