Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad

Name: Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Vital Plates

I absolutely love how refreshing and nutritious this avocado chickpea salad is! It brings together creamy avocado, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant veggies, making it a perfect light meal or side dish. This recipe is not only easy to whip up in just a matter of minutes, but it also harnesses the health benefits of its ingredients. I often find myself reaching for this salad during busy weeknights or when I want something that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. Trust me, you’re going to savor every bite!

Created by

Rosalie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-26T21:38:35.540Z

In crafting this avocado chickpea salad, I discovered the delightful balance of flavors that comes from combining avocado with fresh herbs and lemon juice. The chickpeas add heartiness, making it filling yet healthy. When making it for the first time, I opted to use fresh cilantro, and it truly elevated the dish, giving it a burst of freshness that made me crave more.

One unique tip I've found is to use ripe avocados that are just soft enough to mash slightly. This not only enhances the creaminess but also helps it bind the other ingredients together beautifully. It’s a simple adjustment, but it turns this quick salad into a truly satisfying meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy avocado complemented by crunchy vegetables
Filled with protein from chickpeas, makes it satisfying
Versatile and perfect for meal prep or picnics

Ingredient Insights

The base of this salad, chickpeas, bring a punch of protein and fiber, making the dish not only filling but also highly nutritious. This legume not only adds texture but also contributes to a creamy mouthfeel when mashed slightly with the avocados. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute canned chickpeas with cooked lentils or black beans for a different flavor profile.

Avocados play a critical role in achieving that luxurious, creamy texture. They also provide healthy fats that promote satiety. Make sure to choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to pressure for the best results. If avocados aren't available, consider using a mashed banana in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

Preparation Tips

To ensure crisp and fresh vegetables in your salad, aim to chop everything just prior to assembly. This prevents the cucumber and cherry tomatoes from releasing excess moisture, which can make the salad soggy. If you must prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the lemon juice separate and dressing the salad only at serving time.

Another useful tip is to adjust the flavor profile by experimenting with fresh herbs. If you're not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley, or even diced green onions can add a different yet delightful taste. You can also introduce spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chickpeas.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Steps

Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving. This salad also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Avocado Chickpea Salad shines as a standalone dish but can also be a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. If you're hosting a gathering or potluck, consider serving it in a large bowl with tortilla chips on the side for a delightful dip experience.

For those looking to elevate their meal prep game, this salad can be served over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. Doing so not only adds more fiber but also turns it into a complete meal that can be enjoyed cold or heated slightly. Just ensure to keep additional ingredients, such as rice, stored separately if preparing in advance.

Storage and Freshness

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, be mindful that the salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado may brown and affect the flavor. To mitigate browning, you can store the avocado separately and incorporate it when ready to serve.

If you're interested in freezing the salad, it's best to avoid doing so with the avocados included, as they won’t maintain their texture. Instead, you can freeze the chickpeas and other veggies, and prepare fresh avocado mix when you're ready to enjoy the meal again.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes, canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe! Just make sure to rinse and drain them before use.

→ How long can I store this salad?

You can store this salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best enjoyed fresh to keep the avocados from browning.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or any other veggies you like.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this avocado chickpea salad is completely vegan and makes a great plant-based meal option.