Name: Delicious Chickpea Avocado Salad in 20 Minutes
Prep 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 is a refreshing and nutritious dish that brings together creamy avocado and protein-packed chickpeas. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is not only easy to prepare but is also loaded with fresh vegetables and zesty flavors. Tossed in a vibrant lemon and red wine vinegar dressing, it’s the perfect choice for a light meal or a side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Avocado Salad

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is not just delicious, it’s also incredibly versatile and nutritious. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

High in protein, making it an excellent choice for a vegan chickpea and avocado salad.
Rich in healthy fats from avocados that keep you full longer.
Loaded with fiber, promoting digestive health.
Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Bright and refreshing flavors that are ideal for summer.
Offers a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy chickpea avocado salad.

This salad aligns well with a Mediterranean diet, enhancing your health while satisfying your taste buds.

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 perfect for meal prep.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint.

Best Ways to Serve Chickpea Avocado Salad

There are several delicious ways to enjoy your Chickpea Avocado Salad:

Serve it as a side dish during BBQs or picnics.
Use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for lunch.
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Chickpea Avocado Salad

To store your Chickpea Avocado Salad, cover it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept fresh for 3-4 days. If you prepare it in advance for meal prep, just add the cubed avocado right before serving to maintain its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickpea Avocado Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Chickpea Avocado Salad?

The secret lies in using ripe avocados and fresh vegetables. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful texture to your avocado chickpea salad with lemon dressing.

Can I make Chickpea Avocado Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. This makes it a great option for chickpea and avocado salad for lunch.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chickpea Avocado Salad?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly drained and rinsed. Also, avoid over-mixing after adding the avocado to maintain its shape. This salad also benefits from a short chill time to meld flavors.

Variations of Chickpea Avocado Salad You Can Try

Here are some delightful variations to explore:

Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
Incorporate quinoa for added protein in your protein-packed chickpea avocado salad.
Mix in different herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist.
Try adding nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.