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- 2 ripe avocados - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional for spice) - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste What are the health benefits of avocados? Avocados are creamy and packed with nutrients. They contain healthy fats that help your heart. They also have fiber, which aids digestion. Plus, avocados give you vitamins like E and K. These vitamins help keep your skin healthy and your bones strong. What are the benefits of chickpeas? Chickpeas are small but mighty. They are high in protein, making them great for energy. They also have fiber, which keeps you full and helps with digestion. Chickpeas contain iron, which supports blood health and helps you feel good. By adding them to your salad, you boost your meal's nutrition. This Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad is not just tasty, but it also packs a punch of nutrients. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To prepare avocados, start by slicing each one in half. Remove the pit carefully with a spoon or knife. Scoop the green flesh into a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado. Aim for a creamy mix, but keep some chunks for a nice texture. This adds a fun bite to your salad. Next, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the avocado. Take your fork again and lightly mash them into the mix. Remember, you want some chickpeas to stay whole. This keeps the salad hearty and adds protein. The combination of avocado and chickpeas creates a rich and satisfying base. Now it’s time to mix in fresh ingredients. Gently fold in the finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. This burst of color and flavor brightens the dish. Then, squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Drizzle in the olive oil. Use a spatula to fold everything together until it’s well combined. Finally, taste the salad! Season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. You can serve this salad right away for a fresh taste, or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Enjoy your delicious creation! To create a great Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad, aim for the right texture. You want a mix of creaminess and chunkiness. Start by mashing the ripe avocados until smooth, but leave some small pieces intact. This adds a nice bite. When you mix in the chickpeas, mash some lightly, but keep others whole. This contrast makes each bite exciting. You can elevate your salad with some fun add-ins. Try adding: - Feta cheese for creaminess - Diced bell peppers for crunch - A sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky note - A dash of hot sauce for heat Feel free to experiment with these ingredients. Each option can change the flavor profile and make it more unique. Serving matters just as much as making the salad. For a lovely presentation, place the salad in a big bowl. You can also scoop it onto individual plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop. This salad pairs well with whole-grain pita chips. You could even serve it on a bed of leafy greens for added texture and nutrition. Enjoy your colorful and tasty dish! For the complete recipe, visit the Full Recipe link. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, you have options! You can swap the avocados for ripe bananas or silken tofu. These will change the taste but still give a creamy feel. For chickpeas, black beans or white beans work well. They add a different flavor and texture. Feel free to make this salad your own! You can add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a kick. Want more protein? Toss in cooked quinoa or diced chicken. You can also add nuts for crunch. Try walnuts or almonds to mix it up. Use fresh seasonal produce for the best flavor. In summer, add sweet corn or diced bell peppers. In fall, roasted pumpkin or butternut squash can add warmth. Choose seasonal fruits too, like juicy peaches or ripe strawberries, to enhance the salad's sweetness. For the full recipe, follow the steps to create your own Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad! To keep your Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the salad's surface to reduce air exposure. This step helps prevent browning. Place it in the fridge right after serving. The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, the avocado may turn brown, and the flavors can fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing alters the texture of avocados. If you want to prep ahead, consider leaving out the avocado until you are ready to serve. You can freeze the chickpeas and fresh veggies separately for later use. You can use lemon juice instead of lime juice. Both add a fresh, tangy flavor. Vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar, works too. Each option will give a different taste, but all are good. Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly. It contains no animal products. The main ingredients are plant-based, making it a great choice for vegans and vegetarians. You can make this salad ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the avocado close to serving. This keeps it fresh and green. If you want to prep, chop veggies and store them. Mix them with avocado just before eating. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above! This blog post guides you through making a tasty Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad. We covered key ingredients, starting with avocados and chickpeas, and their health benefits. You learned how to prepare, mix, and dress your salad for the perfect balance of creaminess and texture. We also explored tips for flavor, variations, storage, and answered common questions. In closing, this salad is not just healthy but also adaptable. It’s a great dish you can customize. Enjoy creating your fresh masterpiece!

Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad

Discover the delightful Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad, a nutritious and vibrant dish that's perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines creamy avocados, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh veggies for a tasty twist. With a zesty lime dressing and optional spice, it’s sure to impress. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional for spice)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half lengthwise, carefully remove the pit, and scoop the creamy flesh into a medium mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches a creamy consistency, but still retains some chunky bits for added texture.

    Incorporate Chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the avocado mixture. Using the fork again, lightly mash the chickpeas into the avocado, ensuring that some chickpeas remain whole to contribute to the texture of the salad.

      Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, minced jalapeño (if desired for spice), and chopped fresh cilantro into the smashed avocado and chickpea mixture.

        Dress the Salad: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture along with the extra virgin olive oil. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until evenly incorporated.

          Season: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as desired, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference for flavor.

            Serve: The salad can be served immediately for a fresh taste or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an inviting presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl or arrange it on individual plates. Garnish with extra sprigs of cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side for an appealing touch. This salad pairs wonderfully with whole-grain pita chips or can be served atop a bed of leafy greens for an added nutritional boost and delightful crunch. Enjoy your colorful and nutritious creation!