Name: Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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

Jump to Recipe

If you are searching for a vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying dish, look no further than this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad. This salad combines creamy avocado with salty feta cheese and hearty chickpeas, all brightened up with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s truly a celebration of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly in one bowl. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dazzling side dish, the Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each item plays an essential role in bringing balance, color, and distinct flavor to the final creation, making the Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad both delicious and visually appealing.

Chickpeas: These provide a hearty texture and a protein-packed base that holds the salad together beautifully.
Avocado: Adds a creamy richness that contrasts delightfully with the crisp veggies and crumbly cheese.
Feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Red onion: Offers a sharp bite and slight crunch, balancing the creaminess of the avocado.
Fresh parsley: Delivers a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lightens the dish.
Fresh mint: Imparts an aromatic freshness that surprises the palate in the best way possible.
Olive oil: A luscious, fruity dressing base that ties the ingredients together.
Lemon juice: Adds zesty acidity to awaken the flavors.
Garlic: Provides a subtle punch of savory depth to the dressing.
Dried oregano: Sprinkles in a warm, earthy note for added complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring balance to the dish.

How to Make Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Step 1: Combine the main ingredients

Start by putting the star players into a large bowl—the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and fresh mint. These fresh components create a base full of vibrant colors and varied textures that make the salad so enjoyable to eat.

Step 2: Whisk together the dressing

Next, in a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk these together until they emulsify into a smooth, golden dressing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to brighten and enhance all the flavors.

Step 3: Toss the salad with dressing

Pour your freshly made dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, making sure each chickpea, slice of avocado, and crumb of feta is beautifully coated. The gentle tossing helps preserve the avocado’s texture without mushing it.

Step 4: Serve fresh or chill

This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad tastes fantastic served right away, showcasing the lusciousness of the avocado and the vibrant herbs. However, it can also be chilled for a bit if you prefer a cooler salad or want to prepare it ahead of time.

How to Serve Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad, sprinkle some additional fresh herbs like parsley or mint on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side can add a lovely finishing touch that invites guests to customize flavors to their liking.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, simply roasted chicken, or even alongside warm pita bread. Its bright and creamy nature complements protein-rich dishes, making it a perfect addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad in glass jars for a cute, portable meal option or stuff it into pita pockets for a fresh and healthy sandwich twist. You can even turn it into a colorful grain bowl by adding quinoa or bulgur underneath and drizzling with your lemony dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since avocado browns when exposed to air, you’ll want to enjoy leftovers within one to two days for the best color and flavor. Adding a little extra lemon juice before storing can help slow down browning.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the avocado and feta, resulting in a less appealing dish when thawed.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using. Freshly cooked chickpeas also work well and bring an even creamier texture.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using crumbled tofu or a tangy vegan cheese. For those who enjoy cheese but want a milder flavor, goat cheese can be a tasty alternative.

How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

The fresh lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, but it’s best to add the avocado just before serving and store leftovers tightly sealed with minimal air exposure for the best results.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but with a caveat: keep the dressing separate until ready to eat and add avocado fresh each day. This way, the textures stay vibrant, and the salad remains fresh.

Can I add other veggies to the Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad?

Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers add extra crunch and flavor diversity, making the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad enough—it’s an absolute gem whether you’re craving a quick, healthy lunch or a show-stopping side for dinner. With its perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and fresh ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try today and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and nutritious Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad combining creamy avocado, tangy feta, and protein-packed chickpeas, tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.

Instructions

Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. This mixture creates the flavorful backbone of the salad.
Make the dressing: 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 your preference, ensuring a well-balanced tangy and herby dressing.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all components are well coated with the dressing, blending the flavors nicely.
Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture, or chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld further before serving.

Notes

For added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the salad.
This salad is best eaten fresh to prevent the avocado from browning, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Adjust the lemon juice and salt levels to taste depending on the saltiness of the feta cheese.
To make it vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean