Lemony Chickpea Avocado Salad

$- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained - 2 ripe avocados, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 cucumber, diced - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients in this salad make it colorful and fresh. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber. Avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. The red onion gives a nice crunch. Cucumber adds a refreshing touch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. The dressing is simple yet zesty. Olive oil brings richness. Fresh lemon juice gives tang. Lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor. Salt and pepper balance everything out. Together, they create a lively taste that makes each bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Mixing the Chickpeas Start with a large mixing bowl. Add one can of rinsed chickpeas. Make sure they are drained well. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. The chickpeas add protein and texture. - Step 2: Adding Avocado and Veggies Next, gently fold in two ripe avocados, diced into chunks. Keep some pieces whole for texture. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, half a finely chopped red onion, and one diced cucumber. This mix adds color and freshness. - Step 3: Preparing the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together two tablespoons of olive oil, three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and one teaspoon of lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together and adds zing. - Step 4: Tossing the Salad with Dressing Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the avocados get coated well. This step is key for flavor. - Step 5: Final Touch with Parsley Finally, sprinkle a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley on top. Give it one last gentle toss. This adds a bright, fresh note. - Step 6: Serving Suggestions Serve the salad right away or chill for 15 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish. How to Pick Ripe Avocados To choose ripe avocados, look for ones that feel slightly soft when you press them. The skin should be dark, but not too wrinkled. If the avocado feels hard, it needs more time to ripen. An easy way to check ripeness is to remove the small stem at the top. If it comes off easily and you see green underneath, it’s ready to eat. Storing Avocados for Maximum Freshness To keep avocados fresh, store them at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, move them to the fridge. If you have cut an avocado, sprinkle lemon juice on the flesh to slow browning. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Adding More Lemon Zest For a brighter taste, add more lemon zest to your salad. The zest gives a fresh kick without making it too sour. Start with an extra half teaspoon and taste. You can always add more! Experimenting with Herbs for Unique Taste Try different herbs to change the flavor of your salad. Fresh basil or mint can add a sweet touch. Cilantro brings a zesty flavor that pairs well with the lemon. Just chop a few leaves and mix them in before serving. It's a fun way to make the dish your own! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best creamy texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh produce enhances the flavor of your salad. Try to select organic ingredients whenever possible. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the lemon juice and olive oil ratios to your taste. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can also give a nice kick. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better with a few swaps. Try adding quinoa or bulgur for more texture. These grains give a nice bite and extra nutrition. If you want a creamy touch, add feta cheese. It melts nicely with the fresh flavors. Both options make the dish more filling and fun. Switching the dressing can change the whole salad. Instead of lemon juice, use balsamic vinegar for a sweet twist. It pairs well with the other ingredients. If you love garlic, add some minced garlic to the dressing. It gives the salad a strong punch of flavor. These changes keep the recipe fresh and exciting! To keep your Lemony Chickpea Avocado Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. You can place the salad in the fridge right after serving. It will stay good for about 1 to 2 days. After that, the avocados may brown and lose their flavor. Can you freeze the salad? While you can freeze some salads, this one is not the best choice. The avocado and tomatoes could become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze it, try only freezing the chickpeas and veggies. For best results, defrost the salad in the fridge overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can change the texture. Enjoy your meal fresh for the best taste! What can I add to fit more protein? You can add several items to boost protein. Consider adding cooked chicken, tuna, or diced hard-boiled eggs. You can also use feta cheese for a creamy touch. Another great option is to mix in some cooked quinoa. These additions enhance the flavor and make the salad more filling. How long can I store the salad in the fridge? This salad is best eaten fresh. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. The key is to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This helps maintain the texture of the avocado and keeps everything fresh. What are the calories per serving? This Lemony Chickpea Avocado Salad has about 300 calories per serving. This number can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. The healthy fats from avocados and olive oil offer great nutrition. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! Just prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Store the salad and dressing separately. When you are ready to eat, combine them for a fresh meal. It's a quick and easy option for busy days. This salad combines chickpeas, avocados, and vibrant veggies for a tasty meal. You learned how to prepare the salad, create a delicious dressing, and toss it all together. I shared tips on picking ripe avocados and ways to add flavor. You can even switch ingredients to make it your own. Remember, the fresh salad lasts in your fridge for a few days but not forever. Enjoy this healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and fun to share!$

Lemony Chickpea Avocado Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring chickpeas, avocados, and a zesty lemon dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 medium cucumber, diced
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas.
Gently fold in the diced avocados, making sure to keep some chunks intact for texture.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and finely chopped red onion to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the avocados are coated.
Finally, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top and give it one last gentle toss.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.

Keyword avocado, chickpeas, healthy, salad, vegan