Description
A refreshing and nutritious Avocado Chickpea Salad combining creamy avocados, protein-rich chickpeas, and fresh vegetables, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or sandwich filling, this Mediterranean-inspired vegan and gluten-free salad is easy to prepare and full of wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, finely chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine avocados and salad: Gently fold the diced avocados into the chickpea and vegetable mixture, taking care not to mash the avocados to maintain texture.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss lightly to evenly coat the ingredients without breaking up the avocado pieces.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately as a side dish, light lunch, or stuffed into pita bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or salmon.
- To prevent avocado from browning, squeeze additional lemon juice over the salad before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
