Description
This Avocado Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying salad that combines creamy avocado with protein-packed chickpeas and a burst of fresh veggies. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of nutritious ingredients, making it both delicious and filling!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley. - Make the Lemon Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and maple syrup (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste. - Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado. - Serve:
Serve immediately as a side dish, light lunch, or as a topping for grain bowls or wraps. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to 1 day for meal prep.
Notes
- You can add extra protein by mixing in grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa.
- If you prefer more crunch, you can add some chopped cucumber or roasted nuts like almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be tasty!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0g