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Creamy High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich -Healthy Lunch

High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich A homemade tuna and chickpea salad sandwich with lettuce on whole-wheat bread, sliced diagonally on a white plate, set on a rustic surface with natural light.

How often do you stare at a can of tuna and think, “What exciting thing can I make with this?” Well, you’re in for a treat!

This High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich isn’t your average lunch—it’s a flavor-packed, texture-rich, protein-filled masterpiece that’ll leave you wondering why you didn’t try this combo sooner.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

Here’s something cool: a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that mixing plant-based proteins (like chickpeas) with lean animal proteins (like tuna) helps boost satiety and energy levels.

Translation? This sandwich keeps you full and fueled for hours!

Plus, this recipe is:

  • Customizable—make it gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps.
  • Fun to Make—smashing chickpeas is oddly satisfying!

The Best Part? It's Surprisingly Versatile

You can serve it as a sandwich, on crackers, or even in lettuce wraps.

Feeling fancy? Stuff it into an avocado for an Instagram-worthy dish.

And smashing those chickpeas? Consider it a free therapy session.

So, ready to turn pantry staples into a lunch that’s as exciting as it is nutritious?

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Ingredients for High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich
How to Make This Healthy High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Tips & FAQs

Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)

  1. Protein Powerhouse: With tuna and chickpeas as the star ingredients, this sandwich delivers over 24g of protein per serving. Perfect for keeping you energized!
  2. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
  3. Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like tuna, chickpeas, and bread, it’s easy on your wallet.
  4. Versatile: Not in the mood for a sandwich? Serve the filling on crackers, lettuce wraps, or stuff it into an avocado.
  5. Flavor Explosion: The zesty Sriracha-lemon dressing adds a spicy kick that takes this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.
  6. Fun to Make: Smashing chickpeas is oddly therapeutic (and kids love helping with it too).

This sandwich isn’t just food—it’s an experience!

Ingredients Needed

High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich A glass bowl with mashed chickpeas, tuna, red onion, mayo, chives, Sriracha, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings on a wooden countertop surrounded by small ingredient bowls.
  • Mayonnaise: Use light mayo for a healthier option.
  • Fresh chives: Adds freshness and a hint of oniony flavor.
  • Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick.
  • Garlic: Grated fresh garlic enhances the overall taste.
  • Lemon juice: Balances the richness with a touch of tanginess.
  • Salt and ground pepper: Season to taste.
  • Chickpeas: A great source of plant-based protein.
  • Tuna: Solid white tuna in water works best for this recipe.
  • Red onion: Adds a sharp crunch.
  • Whole-wheat bread: A healthier alternative to white bread.
  • Green-leaf lettuce: Provides freshness and crunch.

How to Make Our Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, chives, Sriracha, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mash and Mix: Lightly smash chickpeas, flake tuna, and combine them with the red onion and dressing.

Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the mixture on whole-wheat bread, add lettuce, and top with another slice of bread.

Serve: Slice and serve immediately or store the filling for later use.

High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich A hand holding half a tuna and chickpea salad sandwich with creamy filling and lettuce, with remaining halves on a plate in a blurred, professional background.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage Tips:

  1. Keep it Fresh: Store the tuna and chickpea salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
  2. Meal Prep Pro: Make the filling ahead of time for grab-and-go lunches all week long.
  3. Don’t Freeze: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo—fresh is best!

Serving Tips:

  1. Classic Sandwich Style: Layer it between slices of whole-wheat bread with a crisp lettuce leaf for the ultimate lunch.
  2. Lighten It Up: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
  3. Party-Ready: Use it as a dip for crackers or veggie sticks at your next gathering.
  4. Go Fancy: Stuff it into avocado halves for a pretty, Instagram-worthy dish.
  5. Snackable: Spread it on toast or pita for a quick, high-protein snack.

Lunch just got easier (and tastier)!

FAQs & Tips

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option or use vegan mayo to make it plant-based.

Is there a way to make this vegan?

Absolutely! Replace tuna with mashed white beans or tofu, and use vegan mayo for a delicious vegan chickpea salad sandwich.

How long can I store the salad mixture?

The tuna and chickpea mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Assemble sandwiches just before serving for the best texture.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try adding sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

This high-protein lunch recipe fits seamlessly into the your program thanks to its balanced mix of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs.

Swapping regular mayo for light mayo or Greek yogurt reduces the points further. Whole-wheat bread provides sustained energy, while chickpeas add a plant-based protein boost.

Health Benefits of This High-Protein Sandwich

This healthy tuna salad sandwich isn’t just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients:

  1. High in Protein: The tuna and chickpeas combine to deliver over 24 grams of protein per serving, perfect for muscle recovery and satiety.
  2. Rich in Fiber: Chickpeas contribute to the fiber content, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
  3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna is a great source of omega-3s, which support heart and brain health.

More Healthy Lunch Ideas

  • Avocado Egg Salad Wraps
  • Mediterranean Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
  • Grilled Chicken and Spinach Pita Pockets

Have you tried this High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your creations in the comments. Let’s make healthy eating fun and delicious together!

High-Protein Tuna and Chickpea Salad Sandwich Close-up of a tuna and chickpea salad sandwich with visible creamy filling, shot from above on a rustic surface with a blurred background.
Cooking Method , ,
Cuisine
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 20 mins
Servings 4
Estimated Cost $  10
Calories 350
Best Season Fall, Spring, Winter, Autumn, Summer
Description

This high-protein tuna and chickpea salad sandwich is a nutritious, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make, perfect for lunch, and Weight Watchers friendly.

Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise: (, or a light version.)
  • 2 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Chives: (for a burst of herbal freshness.)
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha: (, adjust to your spice preference.)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Grated Garlic: (, freshly grated for maximum flavor.)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Lemon Juice: (for a zesty kick.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon. Salt:
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper: (, freshly ground if possible.)
  • 1 15.5-ounce Chickpeas: (can, no-salt-added, drained.)
  • 2 5-ounce Tuna: (cans, solid white in water, drained)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion: (finely chopped, for crunch and tang.)
  • 8 slices Whole-Wheat Bread: (, or use a gluten-free option if needed.)
  • 4 leaves Green-Leaf Lettuce: (, washed and dried.)
Instructions
    Make the Dressing:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chives, Sriracha, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chickpea-Tuna Mixture:
  3. In a medium bowl, mash some of the chickpeas with a fork until they are roughly smashed. This step adds texture and creaminess to the mixture. Add the drained tuna and stir to combine, flaking the tuna with the fork as you mix.
  4. Combine:
  5. Add the mayonnaise mixture and the finely chopped red onion to the chickpea-tuna mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
  6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
  7. Lay out 4 slices of whole-wheat bread. Divide the chickpea-tuna mixture evenly among them (about 1/2 cup per slice). Place a lettuce leaf on top of each, then cover with the remaining bread slices.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 310kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 8g32%
Protein 24g48%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

I’ve always been a fan of tuna sandwiches, but this version takes things to the next level. The chickpeas add a unique twist and extra fiber, making it a filling meal you’ll keep coming back to. Plus, the Sriracha adds just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting!

Keywords: high protein sandwich, tuna and chickpea sandwich, healthy lunch recipe, quick meal prep, nutritious sandwich recipes, spicy tuna sandwich, chickpea salad sandwich
Kristy Cook
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Kristy Cook, A passionate food enthusiast and recipe creator. I love crafting delicious, healthy meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. My goal is to inspire you to embrace wholesome cooking in your everyday life, making it simple and enjoyable.