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    Home » Salads » Chickpea Avocado Salad

    Chickpea Avocado Salad

    Published: Aug 3, 2020 · Modified: Jul 18, 2021 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

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    I am always looking for simple healthy salads in the summer, especially those containing plant proteins. So, a salad that includes chickpeas and avocados will always get my vote!

    Chickpea salad made simple

    This gluten free salad was inspired by one found at Forks Over Knives. But I must confess, I changed so much that the only ingredients it shares with the original are avocado and chickpeas. I did manage to avoid adding cheese, so it remains a vegan salad for maximum health points.

    It’s a simple salad, with simple instructions. Start by draining and thoroughly rinsing the chickpeas. Place the chickpeas in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes.

    Then, mix up the simple dressing, which is lemon juice, olive oil, and a little garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the chickpeas and stir. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the chickpeas to marinate.

    Cut the grape tomatoes in halves (or thirds if they are ginormous). Cut the onion. I typically make slices but diced will work as well. Just use your personal preference for this. Add to the bowl of chickpeas. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    top down view of salad

    The final ingredient is avocado. Because avocado oxidizes/turns brown so easily, I recommend adding just before serving. But also know that with all the lemon juice in the dressing, the oxidation is slowed significantly. I usually make this salad and eat half of it one day and have the rest for lunch the following day. So it does have some staying power. 😄

    This is one of those recipes that is easy to customize to your preferences. Be sure to check out the substitution ideas below the recipe card.

    pin for chickpea avocado salad

    You’ll want to try this easy and delicious chickpea avocado salad soon!

    chickpea avocado salad in a white bowl
    5 from 61 votes
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    Chickpea Avocado Salad

    A gluten free and vegan salad that satisfies
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time2 mins
    Marinate time30 mins
    Total Time47 mins
    Course: Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 136kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
    • ½ cup red onion sliced or diced as preferred
    • 1 lemon juiced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin
    • Dash of garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 avocado diced

    Instructions

    • Place chickpeas in a medium bowl and microwave for 2 minutes.
    • In a small cup, combine lemon juice and olive oil with seasonings. Pour over hot chickpeas and stir to combine. Set aside for 30 minutes to marinate.
    • Add tomatoes and onion and stir gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    • Add avocado just before serving.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 136kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    FAQ/Ingredient substitutions

    Why microwave the chickpeas?

    Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) have an outer layer which is hard for flavors to penetrate. By heating the chickpeas, we are making them more porous and helping the flavor of the dressing to infuse the bean.

    Here are some ingredient substitutions to make this vegan salad your own:

    For the salad dressing: try lime juice instead. You’ll need 2-3 limes for enough juice. If using lime juice, the addition of cilantro provides a nice flavor.

    For the chickpeas: I’ve not tried this, but if using lime juice (per above) the use of black beans could work quite well. Skip the microwave step if you do.

    For the tomatoes: if you don’t like tomatoes, you can omit them. But I love them, so had to have them in my version. You could also try a little cucumber for another level of flavor and texture.

    For the red onion: green onions (scallions) would be a good option.

    Additional flavors: try adding some fresh herbs, like oregano or parsley. For a non-vegan option, a little feta cheese would be very tasty!

    Serving suggestions for this vegan chickpea avocado salad

    As I mentioned, I enjoy a bowl of this as a light lunch. It also works as a side with many of our main meals. Here are some recipe ideas:

    • Chicken Legs on the Grill
    • Grilled Pork Tenderloin
    • Chinese Chicken on a Stick
    • Stromboli
    • Vegetarian Baked Beans
    « Vegetarian Baked Beans
    Orange Creamsicle Cocktail »

    Filed Under: Salads Tagged With: Salads and sides, Vegan, Vegetarian

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alisa Infanti

      August 14, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I had this for lunch today and it was super tasty! It will for sure be a regular on my lunch rotation!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 14, 2020 at 5:45 pm

        Thanks for trying it out! It's one of my favorite lunches too!

        Reply
    2. Chris Collins

      August 14, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      Now THIS is my kind of salad! Can't wait to try the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 14, 2020 at 5:46 pm

        You can't beat chickpeas and avocado in a salad!

        Reply
    3. Anjali

      August 14, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe turned out to be fresh and filling and was perfect for summer! My whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 14, 2020 at 5:46 pm

        I'm glad everyone liked it!

        Reply
    4. Emily Liao

      August 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Love a chickpea salad and this nailed it! Will definitely make again 🙂

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 14, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        Thanks for trying it out and letting me know!

        Reply
    5. Kerri

      August 14, 2020 at 11:10 am

      This will keep me going in the afternoons!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 14, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        Very true! The avocado and the protein from chickpeas really sustains you!

        Reply
    6. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      August 11, 2020 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      Great food photos. It looks so good.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:40 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Michele Peterson

      August 11, 2020 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      A great way to get salad on the table fast using pantry staples like chickpeas! Loved it.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 3:04 pm

        Awesome! Thanks for trying this salad!

        Reply
    8. Leslie

      August 11, 2020 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      Great salad with great flavors!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 9:50 am

        Thank you! It really is delicious!

        Reply
    9. Chef Dennis

      August 11, 2020 at 5:11 am

      5 stars
      I really love Salads and I can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:11 am

        it's a keeper!

        Reply
    10. Amy

      August 11, 2020 at 1:00 am

      5 stars
      what a nice and easy salad to make. Perfect for a quick lunch and I loved the addition of the garlic powder.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:12 am

        Yes it's become a favorite for lunch!

        Reply
    11. Debra

      August 10, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, easy, healthy, tasty....everything I love in a recipe.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:13 am

        I agree!

        Reply
    12. Estelle Forrest

      August 10, 2020 at 11:58 am

      5 stars
      Great tip about microwaving the chickpeas - I have had issues with them being too tough for cold salads. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:16 am

        Yes, that microwave step does help!

        Reply
    13. Kathryn Donangelo

      August 10, 2020 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is so delicious, easy and love how it's healthy!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 11, 2020 at 8:17 am

        Yes I always feel so much better knowing my food is healthy!

        Reply
    14. Andréa Janssen

      August 10, 2020 at 1:46 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious salad. All those flavors and colors are so great when combined!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 10, 2020 at 7:02 am

        So true - the lemony dressing really brings it all together!

        Reply
    15. Mee sha

      August 09, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      That looks really refreshing! A perfect summer light meal

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 10, 2020 at 7:02 am

        yes, its a very complete meal and I especially love the avocado in it!

        Reply
    16. Alexandra

      August 09, 2020 at 9:53 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for lunch today, and it was absolutely delicious! Healthy and tasty!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 10, 2020 at 7:01 am

        I love it for lunch as well!

        Reply
    17. Big Trouble

      August 03, 2020 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      This is GREAT! I love a good chickpea salad! Can't wait to try this recipe, Sula!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 03, 2020 at 5:09 pm

        Oh me too - it's such a satisfying and delicious salad!

        Reply

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