Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad

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

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Kitchen

I love coming up with fresh and nutritious recipes, and this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad has quickly become one of my favorites. It's packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and energizing ingredients that make it the perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner. The creamy avocados pair wonderfully with the hearty chickpeas, and the lemony dressing adds a refreshing zing. Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, which makes it ideal for busy days when I still want to eat something wholesome.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-26T21:33:34.372Z

When I first made this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad, I was looking for something nutritious yet satisfying. The marriage of creamy avocado with the earthy chickpeas caught my attention, and the first bite exceeded my expectations. For the dressing, I opted for a simple blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt that enhances every ingredient without overpowering them.

One afternoon, I took this salad to a picnic with friends, and it was a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant greens and fresh flavors prompted everyone to ask for the recipe. I particularly enjoyed how the salad held up in the heat, making it great for outdoor meals. When preparing this salad, ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best texture!

Reasons You'll Love This Salad
Creamy texture from ripe avocados
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber
Vibrant and colorful presentation

The Role of Ingredients

The foundation of this salad rests on ripe avocados and chickpeas, which not only contribute to its creamy texture but also enhance its nutritional profile. Avocados are rich in healthy fats that support heart health and keep you satiated, while chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish filling and nourishing. Together, they create a delightful mouthfeel that balances nicely with the crispness of cherry tomatoes and the sharpness of red onion.

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, while fresh cilantro elevates the flavor with its aromatic qualities. The balance of these ingredients not only makes the salad visually appealing with its vibrant colors but also ensures a harmonious blend of flavors, from creamy to crunchy to zesty. The addition of lemon juice and olive oil in the dressing ties everything together, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Preparation

When preparing your avocados, it’s essential to select ones that are ripe but not overripe. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a dark green to almost black skin. If you happen to pick one that’s too firm, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag for a day or two. Cutting the avocados just before serving will help prevent them from browning too quickly, maintaining the salad’s visual appeal.

For an added crunch, consider toasting the chickpeas in the oven before adding them to the salad. Simply toss the drained and rinsed chickpeas with a bit of olive oil, salt, and spices of your choice, and roast them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. This step will enhance their flavor and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy avocados.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 ripe avocados, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together making sure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve

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

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider adding chopped cucumbers or radishes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator but are best eaten fresh to maintain the texture of the avocado.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This avocado chickpea salad is perfect for meal prep! You can chop your vegetables and mix them with the chickpeas ahead of time. Just remember to add the dressing and avocados right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. If you want to make this salad a day in advance, prepare the base—chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro—and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can add the dressing about 30 minutes before you plan to serve to allow the flavors to meld without losing the freshness of the avocados.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, be aware that the avocados may brown and affect the salad’s appearance and taste. To combat this, you could gently mix in a little extra lemon juice over the remaining avocado pieces before storing to slow down the oxidation process.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a delightful twist, try adding diced cucumber or bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor. You can also switch the herbs; if you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil would work well and offer a new aromatic profile. To elevate the protein content further, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp if you're looking for a heartier meal option.

Serving this salad chilled on a bed of mixed greens or alongside whole grain pita chips can turn it into a satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken, making it a versatile dish for both quick lunches and elegant dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance but it's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the avocados from browning.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This salad is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

→ What can I substitute for chickpeas?

If you're not a fan of chickpeas, you can use black beans or white beans as a substitute.

→ How can I make this salad more filling?

To make it more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or some grilled chicken for extra protein.