High protein salad: Bean there, tuna that 🥗
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if tuna and black-eyed peas were a match made in salad heaven… but, wow! 🤠This bowl truly exceeded my expectations! The hearty greens, zesty cilantro, and fresh veggies bring it all together, creating a dish that’s refreshing, filling, and surprisingly harmonious. If you’re feeling adventurous (or just love a good protein-packed salad), give it a try!
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup romaine, chopped in strips
- ½ cup collard greens, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ cup black-eyed peas (cooked or canned, rinsed)
- 1 can tuna, drained (I used tuna in oil & mixed in a dash of Trader Joe's green goddess seasoning)
- 1 Persian cucumber, thin rounds
- ½ cup tiny tomatoes, halved
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp garlic olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste
How to make it:
1. In a large bowl, combine your kale, romaine, collard greens, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the greens and massage it in (using your hands is best! This really helps to remove the bitter taste from kale)
3. Add your garlic and seasonings, then follow up with the black-eyed peas, tuna, cucumber, and tomatoes.
4. Add your lemon juice, toss well, serve immediately, and enjoy! ✨
Would you try this combo? Let me know in the comments! #HealthyEats #AdeAteThat #saladrecipe #proteinideas
After discovering this amazing high-protein tuna and black-eyed pea salad, I've been experimenting with ways to make it even more versatile and fit into my busy week. If you're looking to boost your protein intake without sacrificing flavor, this salad base is truly a game-changer! One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts. While the black-eyed peas give it a unique, earthy flavor, you can absolutely swap them out if you don't have them on hand. For a different twist, I sometimes use cannellini beans or chickpeas, which also add a fantastic amount of protein and fiber. And for those searching for a "high protein tuna avocado salad," simply dice up half an avocado and toss it in! It adds a creamy texture and healthy fats that make the salad even more satiating. I've found that the avocado pairs beautifully with the crisp freshness of the cucumbers and tomatoes. Making this a "high protein tuna salad dinner" is super easy. To make it a heartier meal, I often add a small portion of quinoa or brown rice to the base. This turns it into a complete meal that keeps me full for hours. You could also crumble in some hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein punch without much effort. The combination of tuna, beans, and greens like kale, romaine, and collard greens already makes it incredibly nutrient-dense, but these additions really elevate it. For those busy weekdays when you need a "simple high protein tuna salad," here’s a tip: prep your greens and chop your veggies ahead of time. I wash and chop my kale, romaine, and collard greens on Sunday and store them in an airtight container with a paper towel. Then, when a craving hits, it’s just a matter of draining the tuna, rinsing the black-eyed peas, and assembling everything. The dressing can also be made in advance and stored separately. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the greens crisp. I’ve also tried different seasonings to change up the flavor profile. A pinch of dried oregano or a dash of hot sauce can give it an entirely new vibe. Make sure to really massage the olive oil into the greens, especially the kale, as it truly helps to soften them and remove any bitterness, making the entire "tuna salad bowl" experience more enjoyable. This little trick has been a game-changer for me. This salad isn't just healthy; it's genuinely delicious and has become a staple in my rotation for quick, satisfying, and high-protein meals.