Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad: A Cozy Mediterranean Delight
As the days grow longer and sun-drenched afternoons call for something light and refreshing, I find myself turning to vibrant salads that remind me of warmer days spent with family and friends. One of my go-to recipes is this delightful Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad—a creamy, zesty dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or as a beautiful centerpiece for a picnic spread.
With each bite, you experience a lovely medley of textures and flavors that transport me to sun-kissed Mediterranean terraces. The combination of tender chickpeas, velvety avocado, and crumbly feta creates a salad that is both comforting and invigorating, making it a recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can have this fresh and delicious salad ready to enjoy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- No-bake: Say goodbye to turning on the oven! This salad is completely no-cook, letting the fresh ingredients shine through effortlessly.
- Crowd-pleasing: With its delightful flavors and eye-catching colors, this dish is sure to impress guests at any gathering, big or small.
- Healthy and filling: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, healthy fats from the avocado, and refreshing herbs, this salad is a nutritious choice that keeps you satisfied.
- Customizable: This salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to add your personal twist with various ingredients or flavors.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To whip up this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad, gather these delightful ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce/425g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, pitted and diced
- 4 ounces/115g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup/75g red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup/50g fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup/25g fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tablespoons/45ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons/30ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon/2.5ml dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create a vibrant Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad that will leave your taste buds dancing!
In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. The colors in this bowl will make your heart sing!
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste; this is where the magic begins.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is well coated in that glorious, zesty dressing.
Serve immediately or chill for later. If you’re preparing this ahead of time, just know that it gets better as the flavors meld together!
Variations & Creative Twists
While this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is divine as is, feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Add some crunch with diced bell peppers or cucumber for an extra refreshing bite!
- For a protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp, transforming this salad into a fulfilling meal.
- Bring some warmth with roasted cherry tomatoes or zesty olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Experiment with different cheeses—try creamy goat cheese or crunchy queso fresco for a delightful change!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Advice: This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to two days, so feel free to prepare it the night before your gathering. Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and green.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have feta on hand? Use a tangy goat cheese or even a dairy-free option for a vegan version!
- Slicing Tricks: Soaked red onions can be a bit pungent; soak them in cold water for a few minutes before using to mellow the flavor.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for an easy, healthy lunch the next day.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
For those mindful of nutrition, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each serving:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the salad ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Just add the avocado just before serving for freshness.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.How long does it last?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it for optimal freshness.
Wrapping It Up
This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together to nourish both body and soul. It’s perfect for any occasion—from brightening up a holiday table to making a quick and easy weeknight dinner feel special.
So, save this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad to your Pinterest board, and when you’re craving something light, delicious, and fulfilling, you’ll have this cozy recipe right at your fingertips! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, zesty Mediterranean salad made with chickpeas, feta, and avocado, perfect for a light meal or picnic.
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, pitted and diced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for later, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stores well for up to two days. Add avocado just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: salad, chickpeas, feta, avocado, healthy, Mediterranean
