Description
This vibrant chopped salad combines protein-rich chickpeas with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal or side dish, this salad is ready in just 15 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint. Gently mix to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every component is evenly coated with the zesty dressing without mashing the avocado.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste. Just give it a gentle toss before serving if chilled.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or boiled eggs.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs will not provide the same bright taste.
- This salad is best consumed within 2 hours of preparation for maximum freshness, especially due to the avocado.
- If preparing ahead, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
