Looking for a healthy, dairy-free salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein from chickpeas, healthy fats from avocado, and a spicy kick from the seasoning, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s quick to prepare and is an excellent option for meal prep, making it a great addition to your dairy-free diet.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chickpeas
In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
3. Assemble the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Ensure the chickpeas and avocado are evenly coated with the spicy dressing.
4. Serve
Serve immediately as a light meal, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a chilled salad. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is rich in plant-based protein from the chickpeas and healthy fats from the avocado, making it filling and nutrient-dense. The spices provide antioxidants, and the fresh vegetables offer vitamins and minerals essential for overall health.