Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing

Craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious salad? This Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is your answer! Silky avocado meets the sweetness of mango and the heartiness of chickpeas, all brought together by a zesty chili lime dressing. It’s the perfect dish for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck contribution. Inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients, this salad is a celebration of flavor and color. Let’s dive into the magic of this incredible salad!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad

This salad is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes!
• Flavor Explosion: Sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable and readily available ingredients.
• Naturally Vegetarian & Vegan: A great option for plant-based diets.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main course, side dish, or even a snack.
• Irresistible Dressing: The chili lime dressing is the star of the show!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your friends and family with this vibrant salad.

Ingredients Needed for Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed salad. Freshness is key, so choose your ingredients wisely!

• Chickpeas: 400g / 1 3/4 cup, canned, drained, and rinsed. Opt for organic for the best flavor.
• Avocado: 2 medium, ripe but firm, diced. Hass avocados are ideal for their creamy texture.
• Mango: 1 large, ripe, diced. Look for a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped. Adds a sharp bite to balance the sweetness.
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh cilantro is essential for that vibrant, herby flavor.
• Jalapeño: 1 small, seeded and minced (optional). For a touch of heat!
• Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Freshly squeezed juice is always best!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Toast it gently in a dry pan for enhanced flavor!
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (optional). To balance the acidity of the lime juice.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously to bring out all the flavors.

Sourcing Tip: For the best flavor, try to source your mango and avocado from a local farmers market when in season. The difference in taste is remarkable!

Essential Equipment List

You don’t need much to whip up this salad. Here’s a quick rundown of the essential equipment:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: For prepping the veggies and fruits.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife makes dicing a breeze.
• Small Bowl or Jar: For mixing the chili lime dressing.
• Whisk or Fork: To emulsify the dressing.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

This Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is so simple, you’ll be making it on repeat! It’s easily scalable – double or triple the recipe for a larger gathering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing.

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Lime Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until well combined and emulsified. This ensures the dressing coats the salad evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add an extra kick!

2nd Step: Combine Salad Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced avocado, diced mango, chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
2. Gently toss the ingredients together to avoid mashing the avocado. Handle with care!

Step 3: Dress and Serve

1. Pour the chili lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
2. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later. Chilling for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

CHECK OUT: Easy 30-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner option.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Ripe but Firm Avocado: Overripe avocado will turn to mush, while underripe avocado will be too hard.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually, tasting as you go, to avoid a soggy salad.
• Prepare Just Before Serving: Avocado tends to brown quickly, so it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving.
• Toast the Chili Powder: Toasting the chili powder in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding it to the dressing unlocks its flavor and adds depth.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If your mango isn’t very sweet, add a little more honey or maple syrup to the dressing to balance the acidity.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize this salad to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions.
• Swap the Mango: Use pineapple, papaya, or peaches instead.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Add Veggies: Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes would be delicious additions.
• Make it Creamy: Add a dollop of plant-based yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.

• Grilled Fish or Chicken: A light and healthy pairing.
• Quinoa or Rice: Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for a more substantial meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips.
• In a Wrap: Stuff the salad into a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch.

Health Benefits

This Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of some key health benefits:

• Chickpeas: Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting satiety and aiding digestion.
• Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Mango: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting the immune system.
• Lime Juice: Provides a boost of vitamin C and helps with iron absorption.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and enjoy leftovers:

• Storage: Store the salad 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 and mango will become mushy.

To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lime juice over it before storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Squeeze lime juice over the diced avocado. The citric acid helps to slow down oxidation, keeping it looking fresh.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.

What if I don’t have mango?

Pineapple or peaches are great substitutes, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes would be delicious additions.

Is this salad spicy?

The level of spice can be adjusted to your liking. Reduce or omit the jalapeño and chili powder for a milder flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 10g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore: Expand Your Culinary Horizons!

Craving more flavorful and easy recipes? Try these other delightful dishes:

• Chickpea Peach Salad with Honey Lime Dressing – A refreshing twist on a classic salad with a sweet and tangy dressing.
• Sweet Corn Chickpea Avocado Salad – Another amazing salad that combines sweet corn with chickpeas and avocado!
• Taco Spiced Chickpea and Rice Skillet – A flavorful and easy skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Avocado Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and packed with nutrients. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

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