Discover the easy and nutritious Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad. Perfect for quick dinners, it blends creamy avocado with tangy feta and hearty chickpeas.
Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad
If you’re craving a vibrant and wholesome dinner, Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is your answer. This fresh meal combines creamy avocado with salty feta and protein-rich chickpeas for a satisfying dish you can whip up in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a light but filling meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad offers a delightful texture contrast with its creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements. It’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein while being vegetarian-friendly. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires no cooking, making it an ideal quick dinner or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed – canned or freshly cooked
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced – look for creamy, ripe fruit
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – substitute with vegan feta for dairy-free
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped – adds a mild bite
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – fresh and juicy
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – or fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin preferred
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – freshly squeezed for best flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice evenly over the ingredients.
- Gently toss everything together to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference, adjusting as needed.
- Serve immediately for crisp texture or refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Enjoy this chickpea feta avocado salad on its own or alongside Easy Weeknight Dinners to complement your meal plan.
Expert Tips
To keep avocado fresh and prevent browning, toss it with lemon juice immediately. Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain texture. If preparing in advance, add avocado just before serving. You can scale the recipe easily for more servings or reduce for a single portion. For a creamier dressing, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini.
Storage
This salad is best consumed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep it in an airtight container, and if possible, store the avocado separately to prevent discoloration. This salad does not freeze well due to the avocado and fresh ingredients.
Variations
- Vegan: Replace feta cheese with vegan feta or omit it completely.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or increase avocado for creaminess.
- Additional Add-ins: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and crunch.
FAQ
What makes this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad healthy?
The salad features fiber-rich chickpeas, heart-healthy fats from avocado, and protein from feta, making it balanced and nutritious.
Can I meal prep this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad?
It’s best to prepare and eat this salad fresh or within 24 hours because avocado can brown over time.
Is this salad suitable for dinner?
Absolutely! This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad works as a light yet filling dinner option, especially when paired with whole grain bread or pita.
Can I substitute the chickpeas with another bean?
Yes, white beans or black beans can be used, but chickpeas provide a unique texture and flavor that complements the feta and avocado well.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Keep avocado separate if possible to reduce browning.
Feel free to leave a comment, rate, and share this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad recipe if you enjoyed it!
Also check out other delicious recipes in Healthy Salads and Vegetarian Dinners.