Nonna’s Tuna, Chickpea and Tomato Salad

This dish reminds me of growing up and lunches spent with my Nonna.  She was THE BEST and made the most delicious food.  She looked after my brother and I before school, at lunch, and after school.  When we’d see her in the mornings she’d ask us what we’d like for lunch.  We named it, she made it.  We’d race home from school to catch the last few minutes of The Price is Right, then we’d sit down and eat with her.  It was a special time I really came to appreciate as I got older and so did she.

This tuna salad was a classic of hers and one we requested regularly.  It’s simple but so full of flavor and freshness.  And memories too.

What you’ll need:

• 1 can of Solid White Tuna packed in water

• 1 can of Chickpeas drained and rinsed 

• ½ cup chopped Red Onion

• 1.5 cups Cherry Tomato cut in half

• 6-8 leaves of Fresh Basil chopped 

• 1 cup arugula 

• 1 Lemon for zesting (about 1tsp)

• Olive Oil

• Salt and Pepper to taste

Break up the tuna in a bowl.  Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix!  Top with lemon zest.  Eat on its own, over a bed of lettuce or on top of some crusty sour dough.