Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad

Name: Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations

I absolutely love making this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad, especially on warm days when I'm looking for something refreshing yet filling. The combination of creamy avocado and protein-packed chickpeas not only satisfies my hunger but also keeps me feeling energized. Tossing it all together with zesty lime juice and fresh herbs elevates the flavors to a whole new level. It's an ideal dish for meal prep or a quick lunch at home and it's easy to adjust based on what ingredients I have on hand.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:21:34.976Z

Creating this salad has become a weekly ritual for me. The combination of nutrients from the avocado and chickpeas makes it not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome. I’ve experimented with adding different veggies, and my favorite addition has been cherry tomatoes for the pop of color and sweetness. Using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley gives it a vibrant flavor that truly shines through!

One tip that I swear by is to always toss the salad right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the avocado from brown or the chickpeas from becoming too mushy. It’s a simple preparation that works wonderfully for gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner for the family.

Why You'll Love This Salad
Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas
Bursting with fresh flavors from lime and herbs
Quick to prepare and great for meal prep

Ingredient Insights

The star of this salad, the chickpeas, not only provide essential protein and fiber but also bring a delightful texture that complements the creamy avocado. When choosing canned chickpeas, look for brands that don’t contain added preservatives, as they can affect the flavor. If you have dried chickpeas on hand, you can easily cook them by soaking overnight and boiling them until tender for a fresher taste. This adds a little extra time but can enhance the overall quality of your salad.

Avocado is another crucial component, adding richness and healthy fats. Make sure to select a ripe avocado that yields slightly to pressure; this will ensure a creamy texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. If your avocado is not quite ripe, placing it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day can speed up the ripening process. This salad is a great way to use avocados that are just past their peak ripeness, preventing waste while still enjoying great flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this salad is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by serving it over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, for added nutrients and crunch. This also makes the salad more visually appealing and adds volume without significantly increasing calorie count. I love to sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a salty contrast, but this is entirely optional based on your dietary preferences.

For a heartier meal, this salad can be paired with whole grain pita bread or served alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. The zesty lime dressing complements the flavors of protein beautifully. If you’re preparing this for meal prep, consider layering ingredients to keep the avocado from browning; store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat, ensuring optimal freshness.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

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

Dress the Salad

Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled salad.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider adding diced cucumbers or radishes. This salad also makes a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re making it ahead of time, there are a few storage tips to keep in mind. If you refrigerate the salad, it will last for up to 2 days, but the texture may change as the avocado could brown. To mitigate this, you can add more lime juice, as the acidity helps preserve the color of the avocado.

For longer storage, consider storing the chickpeas and vegetables separately from the dressing and avocado. This way, you can mix everything just before serving, ensuring the salad remains vibrant and fresh. It’s also a great idea to keep some extra lime wedges on hand for a quick flavor boost before eating.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have available or what's in season. Diced cucumbers and bell peppers add a nice crunch and can enhance the freshness of the salad. For an added kick, incorporating a finely chopped jalapeño or some radishes can bring a pleasant heat and color contrast to the dish.

If you're looking to add more protein, consider mixing in some cooked quinoa or roasted chicken. This not only makes the salad more filling but also boosts its nutritional value. Additionally, swapping out cilantro for parsley or basil can give the salad a completely new flavor profile while still keeping it light and refreshing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance, but add the avocado and lime juice just before serving to prevent browning.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This avocado chickpea salad is entirely vegan and packed with plant-based protein.

→ What can I substitute for cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions would be excellent substitutes.

→ How can I increase the protein content?

You can add grilled chicken, feta cheese, or even some hemp seeds for an extra protein boost.