Craving a mouthwatering dish that's both incredibly nutritious and ridiculously delicious? Get ready to fall in love with the most Instagram-worthy salad that will transform your lunch game forever! This Avocado Chickpea Pesto Salad is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines creamy avocados, protein-packed chickpeas, and a vibrant pesto dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, busy professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their meal prep game in just 10 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas under cold water, then set them aside to drain completely.
- Next, take the avocado and cut it in half. Remove the pit, and using a spoon, scoop the flesh out of the skin. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the drained chickpeas to the bowl with the diced avocado.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Then, take the red onion, peel it, and dice it finely before adding it to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and lemon juice. Stir well to create a smooth dressing.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the chickpea and avocado mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a short time to let the flavors meld.
- This Avocado Chickpea Pesto Salad can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side dish. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad!
Tips
- Choose ripe avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy.
- Drain chickpeas thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the chickpeas lightly before mixing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest taste.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top.
- This salad is best consumed within 24 hours, so meal prep accordingly.
- Customize by adding grilled chicken or feta cheese for extra protein.
- Use high-quality basil pesto for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg
