Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is everything you could want in a healthy, satisfying dish: it’s easy to prepare, loaded with nutritious ingredients, and bursting with fresh flavors. The creamy texture of avocado pairs perfectly with the salty feta, while the chickpeas provide protein to keep you feeling full. Plus, it’s customizable, and the ingredients come together in just 15 minutes!

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is well coated.

4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Servings and Timing

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

• Switch up the cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

• Make it vegan: Leave out the feta and add roasted nuts or seeds for extra protein.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you plan to store it, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Reheating isn’t recommended since avocado and feta don’t hold up well to heat, but if you need to, gently warm the chickpeas and mix them in with the rest of the salad when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas in this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas work great for this salad. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the bowl.

2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the feta cheese doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives. All the other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.

4. What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you don’t have feta, you can try goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a vegan cheese alternative.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’ve mixed the dressing, it may make the salad soggy, so it’s best to store the dressing separately if you’re preparing it in advance.

6. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can easily add grilled chicken, tuna, or even some boiled eggs for extra protein.

7. Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just make sure to add the avocado and dressing right before eating to keep things fresh.

8. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

9. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply leave out the feta and you can add roasted nuts, seeds, or even tofu for a vegan-friendly option.

10. How do I keep my avocado from browning?

To prevent your avocado from browning, you can toss it with a little extra lemon juice before adding it to the salad. The acidity will help keep it fresh longer.

Conclusion

This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures—creamy, tangy, fresh, and filling. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to any main course. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy dinner side, this salad is a great choice.