Name: Chickpea Avocado Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas (approx. 15oz. each); ½ cup red onion, small diced; 10 oz. grape tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, chopped; 5 oz. baby arugula; 6 oz. feta cheese crumbles; 2 ripe avocados, cut into small cubes; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional); Juice of 1 lemon; ⅓ cup olive oil (more as needed); ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (or parsley, as preferred); ½ tsp sea salt (more or less to taste); ½ tsp black pepper

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Chickpea Avocado Salad combines creamy avocado and protein-packed chickpeas for a refreshing and nutritious dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is not only delicious but also loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, making it an excellent choice for a light meal or a side dish. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Avocado Salad

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is perfect for several reasons. First, it’s a healthy chickpea salad with avocado that is rich in nutrients and fiber, making it a great choice for a balanced diet. Second, it is incredibly versatile—great as a meal prep option or a quick snack. Third, the Mediterranean flavors make this salad refreshing and satisfying. Fourth, it’s a vegan chickpea avocado salad recipe that even non-vegans will love. Fifth, with its vibrant colors and textures, it’s visually appealing, and lastly, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

Ingredients for Chickpea Avocado Salad

Gather these items:

2 cans chickpeas (approx. 15oz. each)
½ cup red onion, small diced
10 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, chopped
5 oz. baby arugula
6 oz. feta cheese crumbles
2 ripe avocados, cut into small cubes
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
⅓ cup olive oil (more as needed)
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup chopped cilantro (or parsley, as preferred)
½ tsp sea salt (more or less to taste)
½ tsp black pepper

How to Make Chickpea Avocado Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and liquid. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with the chopped cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and baby arugula. Toss all together gently to combine the fresh ingredients evenly.
Step 2: In the same bowl, add the minced garlic, chopped cilantro or parsley, sea salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and crushed red pepper if using. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the bright and tangy dressing.
Step 3: Carefully fold in the creamy feta cheese crumbles and the cubed ripe avocados, ensuring not to mash the avocado. Mix gently to distribute without breaking up the cubes.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This salad can be stored sealed in the refrigerator and kept fresh for 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chickpea Avocado Salad

Keep these in mind:

This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator.
Adjust seasoning and ingredients to your taste.
Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
For an extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds.
Experiment with different dressings for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve Chickpea Avocado Salad

This avocado and chickpea dish is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to blend. Pair it with whole-grain pita bread for a satisfying lunch or serve it alongside grilled meats for a balanced dinner. You can also top it with additional feta cheese or a dollop of hummus for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Chickpea Avocado Salad

To keep your salad fresh, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep and can last 3-4 days. If you plan to serve it later, consider adding avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickpea Avocado Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Chickpea Avocado Salad?

The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, ripe avocados and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. Also, let the salad chill to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Can I make Chickpea Avocado Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just make sure to add the avocados right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant in color.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chickpea Avocado Salad?

Avoid overmixing the salad to prevent the avocados from becoming mushy. Also, be cautious with the salt, as feta cheese can be salty. Taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance!

Variations of Chickpea Avocado Salad You Can Try

There are numerous ways to customize your Chickpea Avocado Salad. For example, you can add grilled corn for a sweet crunch, swap feta for vegan cheese for a plant-based option, or mix in different herbs like dill or basil for varied flavor profiles. Each variation can highlight the nutritious aspects of this high-fiber chickpea avocado salad.

For more healthy salad ideas, check out Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls or Chickpea Paprikash. If you’re interested in Mediterranean flavors, consider trying One Pan Greek Vegetables for a delicious side dish.