Healthy Chickpea Salad with Cucumber, Feta & Avocado

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready for a bowl full of freshness, crunch, creaminess, and nourishing goodness? Today’s recipe celebrates some of the Mediterranean’s most beloved ingredients—vibrant veggies, hearty legumes, creamy feta, and rich avocado. Healthy Chickpea Salad with Cucumber, Feta & Avocado is the perfect balance of refreshing and satisfying, making it ideal for lunches, light dinners, or a colorful side dish. 🥗💚

This salad carries the spirit of traditional Mediterranean home cooking—simple ingredients, wholesome flavors, and an emphasis on freshness. Chickpeas have long been a staple in the region, offering both nourishment and versatility. When combined with juicy cucumbers, ripe avocados, bright herbs, and tangy feta, you get a dish that tastes like sunshine and feels like a small celebration of nature’s best offerings.

What makes this salad truly special is its harmony: the soft creaminess of avocado and feta, the crisp bite of cucumber, the hearty chickpeas, and the zing of lemon and olive oil tying everything together. It’s a recipe designed to brighten your day, energize your body, and satisfy your cravings in a wholesome, traditional way.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal, hosting a casual gathering, or need something nourishing for meal prep, this salad is your perfect companion. It holds up beautifully, tastes even better as it rests, and adapts easily to whatever herbs or veggies you have on hand. Ready to enjoy this refreshing bowl of goodness? Let’s dive in! 🌿✨

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or mint (optional but delicious 🌿)

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the vegetables.
   Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, chop the onion, parsley, and optional herbs. Add all to a large bowl along with the chickpeas.
2. Make the dressing.
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the salad.
   Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Add the creamy elements.
   Fold in the diced avocado and crumbled feta. Mix gently to avoid smashing the avocado too much.
5. Taste and adjust.
   Add more lemon, herbs, or seasoning if needed. Traditional Mediterranean recipes always leave room for personal taste!
6. Serve or chill.
   Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors deepen. This salad keeps beautifully for meal prep (add the avocado right before serving if storing). 🥙✨

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 0 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 15 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~350
🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️