Mediterranean Chickpea Avocado & Roasted Pepper Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
This Mediterranean salad is a perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh. Protein-packed chickpeas, buttery avocado, sweet roasted red peppers, and juicy tomatoes are tossed with a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It’s filling, refreshing, and ready in under 15 minutes.
⏱️ Time Required:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using jarred roasted peppers)
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
1½ cups cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
1 ripe avocado, diced
½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ small red onion, finely sliced
¼ cup chopped cucumber (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint
Optional: crumbled feta or olives for extra flavor
Lemon-Herb Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, avocado, roasted peppers, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and herbs.
Gently toss to mix.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle with the lemon-herb dressing.
Toss lightly to coat without mashing the avocado.
4. Serve:
Serve immediately as a light lunch, side, or wrap filling. Can also be chilled for 30 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Notes & Tips
Roasted Peppers Tip: If using fresh, roast bell peppers until charred, then peel and slice.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Avocado Alert: Add avocado just before serving to keep it from browning.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Naturally vegan, but you can add vegan feta if desired.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble everything except the avocado and dressing. Add both just before serving.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Dried oregano or thyme work well in the dressing. Use fresh parsley or mint for garnish if possible.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Best eaten fresh. If storing, cover tightly and refrigerate up to 1 day. Avocado may brown slightly.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Sugar: 4 g
Fiber: 7 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 260 mg
Potassium: 650 mg
Calcium: 60 mg