Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad

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

Highlighted under: Light & Wholesome

I absolutely love this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad for its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. The combination of creamy avocado, hearty chickpeas, and fresh veggies not only makes for a refreshing dish, but it’s also satisfying while being quite healthy. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a flavorful side at dinner. It’s so easy to whip up and truly celebrates the bright, earthy taste of the ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your meal prep!

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:09:35.059Z

When I first created this salad, I was inspired by the need for something healthy yet packed with flavor. I combined my favorite ingredients that I usually have on hand: avocado and chickpeas. The result was a creamy yet light salad that can be enjoyed on its own or as a perfect side to a main dish.

The key to this salad is the freshness of the ingredients. I find that using ripe avocados and fresh herbs makes a world of difference. Plus, the chickpeas provide a great protein boost without overwhelming the dish, making it not only delicious but also nutrient-rich.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy avocado texture that pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetables
Rich in plant-based protein for a satisfying meal
Quick and easy preparation – perfect for busy days

      

Ingredient Insights

The star of this salad, the avocado, not only provides a creamy texture but is also packed with healthy fats that help keep you satiated. When choosing an avocado, look for one that yields gently to pressure, indicating it is ripe and ready to use. Avoid avocados that are overly soft or have dark spots, as they may be past their prime. Store any leftover avocado in an airtight container with a sprinkle of lime juice to prevent it from browning too quickly.

Chickpeas are another key element of this salad, contributing both protein and fiber. They absorb flavors exceptionally well, so make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium from the can. If you want an even creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the chickpeas with a bit of lime juice before mixing it into the salad, creating a deliciously smooth contrast with the crunchy veggies.

Preparation Tips

To ensure the freshest taste and texture, prepare the ingredients just before serving. Aim to chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to promote even mixing and consistent bites. I suggest dicing the cucumber and avocado to about 1/2-inch pieces, which balances nicely with the halved cherry tomatoes and finely chopped red onion. This attention to detail elevates the overall presentation and enjoyment of the salad.

When you're ready to dress the salad, start by squeezing the lime juice onto the mixture rather than whisking it with the seasonings first. This method allows the lime to evenly coat each ingredient without diluting the flavors. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño can bring an exciting kick to the dish!

Ingredients

For the Salad

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

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

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

Dress the Salad

Squeeze lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

Serve

Serve immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

Make sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. If you're not serving the salad immediately, you can keep the avocado from browning by adding a little extra lime juice.

Storage Tips

This avocado chickpea salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. The avocado will begin to brown after a while, so if you're meal-prepping, consider keeping the ingredients separate until you're ready to eat. For longer storage, pack the veggies and chickpeas together and leave the avocado and lime juice to be added just before serving.

If you ever find that the chickpeas have softened too much during storage, a quick fix is to add in some sliced radishes or fresh bell peppers right before serving. This will not only provide crunch but also enhance the visual appeal of your dish, making it just as delightful as when it was freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

For a more substantial meal, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. Try serving it atop a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for additional nutrition and texture. The salad also works beautifully as a filling in a whole-grain wrap, offering a satisfying and portable lunch solution that travels well.

Another creative way to enjoy this dish is to use it as a topping for whole-grain toast or brown rice cakes for a crunchy twist. It adds an exciting, nutritious layer to your toasts that is both satisfying and refreshing, making it a fantastic option for brunch or a light supper.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or any seasonal veggies you enjoy.

→ How long can this salad be stored?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a day.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but it’s recommended to keep the avocado separate until serving to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products!