🥑 Chickpea Avocado Salad – Fresh, Creamy & Protein-Packed! 🥗
This vibrant salad combines creamy avocado, protein-packed chickpeas, and juicy cherry tomatoes for a refreshing and satisfying dish. Perfect for a light lunch, quick dinner, or as a healthy side, it’s ready in minutes and bursting with flavor.
📝 Ingredients:
- 🥑 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 🥫 1 can (15 oz / 400g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🧅 ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 🫒 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper, to taste
- (Optional) 🌶 Pinch of chili flakes for heat
👨🍳 Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Add diced avocado on top.
- Drizzle with lemon/lime juice and olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
- Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
📝 Notes:
- Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent them from turning mushy.
- Add cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be prepped ahead (see tips).
💡 Tips:
- Meal prep friendly: Mix all ingredients except avocado, then add avocado right before serving.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs.
- If you like a tangy kick, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 2–3 as a main, 4–5 as a side
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. as a side dish):
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
✅ Vegan | ✅ Gluten-free | ✅ Dairy-free | ✅ High-fiber | ✅ Heart-healthy fats
🌱 Health Benefits:
- Avocado: Rich in monounsaturated fats, supports heart and brain health.
- Chickpeas: Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, helps with satiety and digestion.
- Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for skin and heart health.
- Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Yes! Soak overnight, then cook until tender before using.
Q: How long will this salad last?
A: Best eaten fresh, but without avocado, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add avocado just before serving.
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
A: Absolutely. Skip the olive oil and use more lemon/lime juice or a light vinegar-based dressing.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes! Add chili flakes, jalapeño slices, or a dash of hot sauce.