Now that the holidays are over, it is time to hop back on the healthier eating wagon! I have my highest healthy eating motivation in the mornings and at lunch, so I like to try to capitalize on that energy.
By dinner, I usually end up falling off the wagon a bit, probably because I am tired and usually need to de-stress a little from the events of the day. So it is important for me to have a good lunch!
I love all the different textures and flavors in this tuna salad. I use light ranch dressing instead of mayonnaise, and it really enhances the flavor while minimizing the calories. The black beans add contrasting color plus protein, and the sunflowers seeds add a satisfying, nutty crunch. I definitely look forward to lunch when I know this is on the menu!
If you are bringing this lunch with you to work, I recommend packing the tuna salad separately from the bread, so that the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
You can put it in a little plastic container, and then just scoop it out onto the bread at lunch time. Don’t forget to bring a spoon! Or, just pack a few whole grain crackers and use them to scoop and eat the tuna salad as if it were a dip.
Black Bean Ranch Tuna Salad
Print RecipeIngredients
- 10 ounces chunk light tuna in water (2 cans)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (I used a light version)
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve with crackers or as a sandwich filling.
Nutrition
Note: This post has been shared at THESE link parties!
Want to keep up with the latest yummy recipes on DBH?
Sign up to receive new recipes in your inbox (only 1 email per week)!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I love the idea of the beans with the tuna! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
Amy
I love black beans and tuna, and this salad sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing t Tasty Tuesdays.
Kim~madeinaday
This sounds like a great combo! Yum! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Miz Helen
This looks like a great combination for a salad that we will really enjoy! Thanks so much for sharing your special post with us at Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Christine Titus
This was pretty good and packed with protein. I used a bit more ranch dressing than the recipe calls for because it was too dry with only 2 TBSP, and I used light ranch as well. I just added enough to moisten the mixture, not drown it. Then I took the mixture and made it into a wrap using 100% whole wheat tortillas. Made for quite a satisfying lunch.
Kristin King
That is great to hear! So glad you liked it! 🙂
Quinn Caudill
What a flavorful looking tuna salad. Pinned! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Can’t wait to see what goodness you bring this Thursday.
Liz
Sounds good and simple to me. Thank you.
Bernadette Janis
Happy New Year Kristin! Your recipe is just what I need. Thank you. I think the filling would also be a good snack when I need that afternoon pick me up. (As long as I don’t eat the whole bowl!)
Kristin King
Right, it can be tough to stop before eating the whole thing, haha! But even if you do, it is probably still better than eating junk food! 🙂 Happy New Year, and see you soon!