Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad (Printable)
Protein-packed Mediterranean salad with chickpeas, avocado, feta, and a zesty lemon dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables & Legumes
01 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 large avocado, diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small cucumber, diced
05 - ¼ small red onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
→ Dairy
07 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
→ Fresh Herbs
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and baby spinach or mixed greens.
02 - Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint (if using) to the bowl.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs or feta if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Zero cooking required, which means your kitchen stays cool and you stay happy.
- The combination of creamy avocado and salty feta with hearty chickpeas is surprisingly satisfying for a no-cook meal.
02 -
- Avocado oxidizes quickly, so if you are making this ahead, leave the avocado out and dice it in right before serving.
- Tossing the avocado cubes in a tiny squeeze of lemon juice before adding them helps preserve their bright green color for a little longer.
03 -
- Let the dressed salad sit for about five minutes before eating so the chickpeas have time to absorb some of the lemon and olive oil.
- Using a combination of room temperature chickpeas and cold, crisp vegetables creates the most pleasing contrast of textures in every bite.