Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad

Name: Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 small cucumber, diced; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Living Kitchen

I absolutely love this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad! It’s the perfect dish for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, this salad puts a twist on a classic in the most delightful way. The creaminess of the avocado combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for those busy weekdays. I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-26T22:56:06.889Z

When I first tried this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad during a bright sunny day, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of creamy avocado with protein-packed chickpeas is not only delicious but kept me full without the heaviness typical of many salads. I also learned that adding a splash of lime juice enhances the flavors tremendously!

What really makes this salad shine is the freshness of the ingredients. I used ripe avocados and crisp cucumbers, which brought a delightful crunch to every mouthful. If you're looking for a quick, nutritious dish that bursts with flavor, this salad is my go-to recipe!

You will love this recipe!
Creamy avocado paired with protein-rich chickpeas
Bright and refreshing flavors from fresh veggies
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days

Understanding the Ingredients

The hero of this Healthy & Light Avocado Chickpea Salad is undoubtedly the avocado. Not only does it provide a creamy texture that elevates the dish, but it also adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for optimal ripeness. If you need to speed up ripening, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for 24 hours.

Chickpeas add a delightful protein boost to this salad, making it a satiating option for lunch or dinner. The combination of chickpeas with fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato not only contributes a variety of textures but also enhances the overall nutritional profile. For a variation, you can use canned white beans instead of chickpeas; just be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.

Mixing and Preparing

When combining the ingredients, I recommend using a large mixing bowl to give yourself ample space to toss gently. This helps prevent bruising the avocado while ensuring that all ingredients are well-distributed. Try not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the avocado and have distinct, crunchy bits of vegetable in every bite.

After dressing the salad, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the lime juice to infuse the chickpeas and vegetables with flavor, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish. If you're preparing this ahead of time, consider adding the avocado and lime juice just before serving to prevent browning.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small cucumber, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
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 mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.

Dress the Salad

Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Toss lightly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Serve

Enjoy the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving for an extra refreshing taste.

Pro Tips

For added crunch, consider adding some diced bell peppers or a handful of cherry tomatoes. This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, be aware that the avocado may brown slightly after a day. To minimize this, try squeezing a little extra lime juice on top before sealing the container. Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

For those meal-prepping, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance (excluding the avocado and lime juice) and store them separately. This allows you to quickly toss everything together for lunch or dinner throughout the week without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a heartier meal. Consider serving it atop a bed of greens or alongside whole grain pita or tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor synergy.

For a delightful twist, try adding different ingredients like roasted corn, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Each addition will bring brightness to the dish while still keeping it healthy and light.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like corn, bell peppers, or even feta cheese for extra flavor.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is completely vegan and packed with plant-based nutrients.

→ How long can I keep leftovers?

It’s best to consume the salad within a day for optimal freshness, as the avocado may brown.

→ Can I meal prep this salad?

You can meal prep it! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat.