Za'atar Chickpea and Tuna Salad

Name: Za'atar Chickpea and Tuna Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired, Middle Eastern Inspired
Ingredients: 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed; 1 (5-ounce) can oil-packed tuna (preferably yellowfin); 1 large English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced; ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon brine; 1 medium red onion, quartered and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill; 2 teaspoons ground za’atar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small lemon, juiced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper; Fine sea salt and black pepper, to taste; Crackers, wraps or grilled bread for serving (optional)

By Ifrah F. Ahmed

Published May 22, 2026

Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

Media 1 of 2

Ready In: 15 min
Rating: (0)
Comments: Read comments

Canned chickpeas and tuna are at the core of this hearty salad that is perfect for when you need a low-effort yet delicious lunch. This pantry-friendly salad also features refreshing cucumber paired with aromatic dill and ground za’atar, and is rounded out with bright notes of lemon and briny Kalamata olives. Choose your own adventure and decide whether to eat this salad on its own, with crackers, in a wrap, or with a thick slice of grilled bread on the side. While this salad can be eaten year-round, there’s something about it that feels reminiscent of snacking in the sun on a hot summer’s day. If preparing this salad in advance, store in an airtight container in the fridge and add the salt and liquids just before serving for the brightest results.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
1 (5-ounce) can oil-packed tuna (preferably yellowfin)
1 large English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped, plus 1 tablespoon brine
1 medium red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons ground za’atar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Fine sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Crackers, wraps or grilled bread for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
In a large bowl, add all the tuna salad ingredients and toss lightly to combine; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Serve the tuna salad immediately, on its own or with crackers, wraps or grilled bread.