Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad
A refreshing Mediterranean salad combining creamy half an avocado with protein-rich chickpeas, bright lemon, and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, diced ripe avocado, halved cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1/2, diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium, diced cucumber
- 1/4 small, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled (optional) feta cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, 1/2 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top if using, and serve immediately or chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced ripe avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Avocado and Chickpea Mediterranean Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
