Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Chopped Delight

Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and savory feta. This dish is like sunshine on a plate, bursting with freshness that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more.

Imagine gathering your favorite people, perhaps on a sunny afternoon, and sharing this delightful salad that not only looks beautiful but tastes divine. The bright colors and vibrant flavors make it perfect for picnics, parties, or just a weekday lunch that feels special. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you asking, “Why haven’t I made this sooner?”

Ingredients for Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad:

2 cups small diced stale bread – Adds a crunchy texture when toasted, perfect for creating homemade croutons.

1 medium romaine heart – Fresh and crisp, this leafy green provides a base that enhances the salad’s crunchy appeal.

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas – Protein-packed goodness that adds heartiness and makes the salad filling.

1 medium Japanese cucumber – Sweet and mild, it lends a refreshing crunch to the mix.

1/2 cup pitted green olives – A touch of brininess that complements the creamy feta beautifully.

1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions – Provides a mild onion flavor that elevates the overall taste.

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – A rich source of healthy fats that adds a velvety smoothness to the dressing.

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar – Adds tanginess that balances the richness of the olive oil and crème.

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon drained capers – These tiny flavor bombs provide a delightful salinity to the dish.

1 tablespoon minced shallots – Delicate in flavor, these add an aromatic touch without overwhelming the other ingredients.

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – A subtle kick that rounds out the dressing’s flavor profile.

1/2 teaspoon honey – A hint of sweetness that offsets the vinegar and enhances the overall freshness.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors of the salad.

1 firm-ripe avocado – Creamy and rich, it adds a lush texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the salad.

3/4 cup diced or crumbled feta cheese – Creamy, tangy, and flavorful, a must-have to elevate the salad experience.

1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs – Basil, mint, parsley, or dill can be used to brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness. More can be sprinkled on top for serving.

How to Make Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad:

Step 1: Toast the Croutons
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the diced stale bread on a sheet pan and drizzle lightly with olive oil, sprinkling a pinch of salt and pepper over it. Toss the bread to coat evenly, then bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Toss them once halfway through to ensure even crisping, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine pieces, rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, olives, and scallions. This medley of colorful ingredients will serve as the foundation for your salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, roughly chopped capers, minced shallots, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gallantly whisk until the dressing emulsifies into a luscious and flavorful concoction.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour just enough of your dressing over the salad to moisten it, then toss well to combine. This step is crucial—make sure every ingredient is coated in that delicious dressing.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Goodness
Gently fold in the diced avocado, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh herbs. Take care not to mash the avocado; we want to keep those velvety morsels intact for ultimate enjoyment.

Step 6: Finishing Touches
Top the salad with your homemade croutons and a generous sprinkle of extra herbs. The aroma wafting from this colorful dish will have everyone gathering around in anticipation. Serve this beautiful salad and watch as it disappears from your table!

With its delightful crunch, creamy textures, and flavor-packed ingredients, this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is poised to be a star at your next gathering or a refreshing lunch. Enjoy each tasty bite, relishing the joy this salad brings to your culinary adventures.

Perfecting Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad Cooking Process

Start by toasting your bread while prepping other ingredients. This ensures your croutons are crispy and avoids sogginess. Combine your veggies, whip up the dressing, and then finish with the avocado and feta for a fresh, vibrant salad.

Add Your Touch to Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Feel free to swap out the feta for goat cheese or add some roasted red peppers for an extra kick. If you prefer a bit of spice, toss in jalapeños or use a different vinegar for your dressing.

Storing & Reheating Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain freshness, keep the croutons separate until serving. Reheat any leftovers gently if desired, but fresh is best.

Sharing this salad at a recent gathering, my friend’s eyes widened as she took her first bite. She insisted it was “the best salad ever,” and I couldn’t help but grin knowing it was such an easy dish to prepare!

FAQs About Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

What is Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad?

Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish packed with nutrition and flavor. This salad features crisp romaine lettuce, protein-rich chickpeas, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed together with a zesty homemade dressing. The addition of vegetables like cucumber and scallions adds freshness, while croutons provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also visually appealing, making it a hit at gatherings and meal prep alike.

How do I make Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad healthy?

To keep your Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad healthy, focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for whole grain or gluten-free bread for the croutons and choose low-fat feta cheese if desired. You can also load up on fresh herbs and substitute the dressing ingredients with lighter options, like using lemon juice instead of vinegar or adding extra vegetables. This keeps the flavors bold while ensuring a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Can I customize my Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad?

Absolutely! Customizing your Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is not only allowed but encouraged. Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese or add other proteins like grilled chicken or quinoa for extra substance. You can also include roasted red peppers for a hint of sweetness or olives for a briny kick. Adjust the dressing by adding spices or herbs you love, making the salad uniquely yours while still retaining its essential charm.

How can I store leftover Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad?

To store leftover Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunchiness. The salad will last for 1 to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can gently reheat the portion in a pan, just remember that fresh salads typically shine the brightest when served right after preparation.

Conclusion for Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

In conclusion, the Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, textures, and flavors that can transform any meal. With its simple preparation and customization options, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy choice for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser and savor every delicious bite.

Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad

This Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups small diced stale bread about 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium romaine heart quartered lengthwise and sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
• 1 medium Japanese cucumber halved lengthwise, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives quartered or halved
• 1/3 cup scallions thinly sliced
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon drained capers roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• Kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 firm-ripe avocado halved, peeled, pitted and diced
• 3/4 cup diced or crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs such as basil, mint, parsley or dill, plus more for serving

Equipment

• toaster oven
• mixing bowl
• whisk
• Sheet pan

Method

 

1. Preheat a toaster oven or regular oven to 350 degrees. Place the diced bread on a sheet pan, drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss, then bake for 10 minutes or until well toasted. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine pieces, chickpeas, cucumber, olives, and scallions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, capers, shallots, mustard, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
4. Pour enough dressing over the salad to moisten and toss well. Gently fold in the avocado, feta, and herbs, adding more dressing to taste.
5. Top the salad with croutons and a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For added flavor, consider swapping feta for goat cheese or adding roasted red peppers. Keep croutons separate from the salad until serving to maintain crunch.

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