Here’s a vibrant, fresh, creamy, and protein-packed Chickpea Avocado Salad recipe — perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or a nutritious side. It’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan.
🥗 Chickpea Avocado Salad: Fresh, Creamy & Protein-Packed
✅ Servings: 3–4
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🧊 No cooking required
📝 Ingredients:
🥣 Main Salad:
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or diced regular tomato)
- ½ cucumber, diced (optional but refreshing)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
🥄 Creamy Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds a tangy kick)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for extra creaminess
🥑 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- If using yogurt or mashed avocado for creaminess, stir it in now.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
Step 4: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime, salt, or pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a standalone lunch, in a lettuce wrap, on toast, or in a pita pocket.
- Serve as a side salad to grilled meats or falafel.
- Use as a filling for a wrap or bowl with quinoa or greens for added fiber.
🧊 Storage Tips:
- Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Add avocado just before serving if prepping ahead to prevent browning.
💪 Nutrition Highlights (per serving, approx.):
- Protein: 9–12g
- Fiber: 8–10g
- Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil
- Naturally gluten-free and easily vegan
🔄 Optional Add-ins:
| Add-In | Benefit / Flavor Boost |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese (or vegan feta) | Adds salty creaminess |
| Cooked quinoa or farro | Boosts fiber and makes it a full meal |
| Roasted red peppers | Adds sweetness and smokiness |
| Sunflower or pumpkin seeds | Adds crunch and healthy fats |
| Jalapeño or chili flakes | Adds heat |
Would you like a version tailored for meal prep, or a printable one-page PDF?
