Vegetarian Tomato Basil Tuna

Elevate your plant-based culinary game with this vibrant and savory Vegetarian Tomato Basil "Tuna" salad! This easy, no-cook recipe transforms protein-packed chickpeas into a delightful tuna alternative, perfectly complemented by the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the aromatic punch of fresh basil, and the zestiness of capers. A creamy, tangy dressing made with vegan mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic ties the dish together for a flavor-packed, guilt-free delight. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a topper for crisp salads, or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for quick lunches or meal prep, this vegan-friendly recipe doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, making it a must-try for food lovers everywhere.

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (finely diced)
• 3 tablespoons Vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Capers (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, add the chickpeas. Mash them gently with a fork or potato masher until they are mostly broken down but still have some texture for a chunky consistency.

Step 2

Add the quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and diced red onion to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Gently mix until evenly combined.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a creamy dressing.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture. Add the chopped capers and gently fold everything together until the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lemon juice, or black pepper to suit your preference.

Step 6

Serve immediately as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or in lettuce wraps. Alternatively, refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(661.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	848.7

Total Fat 31.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 10.2mg	0%
Sodium 1303.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.0g	0%
Total Sugars 24.8g
Protein 34.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 310.6mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 1569.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 52.0%