Name: Chickpea Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Craving a vibrant and healthy salad that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Chickpea Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is the perfect quick lunch, light dinner, or side dish. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Avocado Salad

Ready in under 15 minutes.
Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats.
A vibrant mix of colors and textures.
Budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients.
Perfect for meal prepping or a quick lunch.
A bright and zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

This salad is an effortless way to boost your nutrient intake and enjoy a delicious meal. The combination of creamy avocado, hearty chickpeas, and a tangy lemon dressing is simply irresistible!

Ingredients Needed for Chickpea Avocado Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing salad. Freshness is key, so choose ripe avocados and vibrant veggies!

For the Salad:

1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Rinsing removes excess sodium and makes them easier to digest.
1 ripe avocado, diced. Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. Look for bright red tomatoes for the best flavor.
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped. If the onion is too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Fresh herbs from your local farmer’s market will elevate the flavor of this salad.

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits.
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and zesty vinaigrette.
1 tsp honey. Adjust to your desired sweetness level. Maple syrup can also be used as a substitute.
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard. Adds a tangy depth to the vinaigrette.
1 clove garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously to enhance all the flavors.

Sourcing high-quality ingredients makes a world of difference. The fresher the better!

Essential Equipment List

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this salad. These are the essentials:

Large mixing bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
Small mixing bowl: To whisk together the lemon vinaigrette.
Whisk: To emulsify the dressing.
Knife: For chopping vegetables and herbs.
Cutting board: To protect your countertop.

A good knife makes all the difference! A sharp chef’s knife will make quick work of chopping the vegetables. No whisk? A fork will do just fine!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Chickpea avocado salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Scale this Chickpea Avocado Salad up for a potluck or halve it for a quick lunch! The recipe is easily adaptable to your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chickpea Avocado Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and refreshing Chickpea Avocado Salad.

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. The vinaigrette should be smooth and emulsified, with a slight tanginess from the lemon.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can become mushy. You want everything lightly dressed, allowing each flavor to shine.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for enhancing the overall taste and allowing the vinaigrette to penetrate the ingredients.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for best results. Chilling the salad briefly can enhance the flavors, but avoid storing it for too long, as the avocado may brown.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Spinach Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing – A hearty and flavorful twist with pasta and spinach!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to make sure your Chickpea Avocado Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Use ripe but firm avocados: Avoid overly ripe avocados that are too mushy.
Don’t overdress the salad: Start with less dressing and add more to taste.
Chop the red onion finely: This will prevent it from overpowering the other flavors.
Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serve immediately or chill briefly: Avoid storing the salad for too long, as the avocado may brown.

A microplane is great for zesting citrus quickly and efficiently, adding an extra layer of flavor to your vinaigrette!

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this salad to your liking!

Add feta cheese: For a salty and tangy flavor.
Substitute the chickpeas: Use cannellini beans or black beans for a different texture.
Incorporate other vegetables: Cucumber, bell peppers, or corn would be great additions.
Use a different dressing: Try a tahini dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette.
Add a spicy kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

For a vegan option, ensure your honey is plant-based or use maple syrup instead.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Chickpea Avocado Salad

This versatile salad can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.

Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Pair with a crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Enjoy as a side dish with soup or sandwiches.
Serve as a topping for tacos or wraps.

Creamy avocado and chickpea salad with bright lemon dressing.

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light and refreshing lunch. A sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors perfectly!

Health Benefits

This Chickpea Avocado Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

Chickpeas: Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients.
Cherry Tomatoes: Provide antioxidants and vitamins.
Olive Oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Lemon Juice: Boosts vitamin C and aids digestion.

The high fiber content in this salad aids digestion, promoting a healthy gut. Plus, it’s a great source of energy!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Chickpea Avocado Salad:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the avocado will become mushy.

To prevent the avocado from browning, drizzle it with a little extra lemon juice before storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent the Avocado from Browning?

Drizzle the diced avocado with lemon juice immediately after cutting. The citric acid helps to slow down the oxidation process.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, but it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Cucumber, bell peppers, corn, and radishes are all great additions to this salad.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Is This Salad Vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan if you ensure that the honey you use is plant-based or substitute it with maple syrup or agave.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 12g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more easy and healthy salad recipes? Here are some other dishes you might enjoy:

Chickpea Spinach Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A Mediterranean delight with spinach and feta cheese.
Chickpea Tomato Basil Salad – A simple and flavorful salad with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes.
Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette – A Southwestern-inspired salad with black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing.

These recipes are all quick, easy, and packed with flavor! They are perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Chickpea Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette