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 (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 ripe avocado, 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: Wellness Kitchen

I absolutely love making this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad when I'm craving something fresh and nutritious. Packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, this salad is perfect for quick lunches or as a side dish for dinner. I often find myself throwing this together in under 15 minutes, which makes it an ideal recipe for busy days. The creamy avocado and crisp veggies create a satisfying texture that keeps me coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you'll want to make it again and again.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:35:35.512Z

When I first made this salad, I was looking for something that combined healthy ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The uniqueness of chickpeas and creamy avocado meld together wonderfully. I found that adding lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also keeps the avocado from browning too quickly.

Experimenting with various herbs and spices, I discovered that fresh cilantro really elevates the dish. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste by swapping in your favorite greens. It's a versatile dish that I now keep as a staple in my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutritious ingredients that fuel your body
Simple preparation for busy days
Versatile to accommodate different palates

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad plays a vital role in both flavor and nutrition. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this salad filling and satisfying. Avocado not only brings creaminess but also healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and antioxidants, whereas cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of avocado.

Red onions contribute a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients while fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness. When assembling the salad, you can adjust the amount of each ingredient based on your preference. For instance, if you prefer a milder taste, consider using green onions instead of red.

Tips for Perfect Preparation

To ensure your salad is as fresh as possible, make sure to use ripe avocados. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to pressure when gently squeezed. If your avocados are not ripe yet, placing them in a brown paper bag can speed up the ripening process. Additionally, when dicing the avocado, use a sharp knife to avoid squishing the flesh, ensuring clean, even cubes that integrate beautifully into the salad.

When combining the ingredients, be gentle when tossing to prevent the avocado from turning mushy. A light hand will help maintain the salad's satisfying texture. If you'd like to prepare the salad ahead of time, consider storing the avocado separately. Add it just before serving to keep it vibrant and prevent browning, which can occur quickly when exposed to air.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for your salad:

Salad Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 ripe avocado, 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

Mix everything in a large bowl and enjoy your healthy salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your salad:

Combine Ingredients

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

Add Seasoning

Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Toss and Serve

Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Serve immediately or chill for a bit before serving.

Enjoy your healthy and satisfying avocado chickpea salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any additional veggies you love, or toss in some feta cheese for an extra flavor boost!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, I recommend prepping the chickpeas, veggies, and cilantro separately, and only adding the avocado and lemon juice right before serving. This method keeps all the ingredients fresh and maintains the delightful crunch of the veggies.

For an easy grab-and-go lunch, consider portioning out the salad into individual containers. This way, you can enjoy it throughout the week while ensuring each serving remains deliciously crisp and flavorful.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to tailor this salad to your preferences or dietary needs! You can easily add other ingredients like diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness, or substitute quinoa to amp up the protein content. If you want a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a kick that complements the creamy avocado.

For a heartier meal, serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled protein like chicken or shrimp. The creamy dressing of the avocado will cling perfectly to your protein choice, creating a satisfying and nutritious plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

→ What other dressings can I use?

You can use a vinaigrette or even plain yogurt mixed with herbs for a creamier option.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute chickpeas?

Yes! You can use black beans or lentils if you prefer those flavors.