
Citrus Herb Chickpea Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Get ready to jazz up your salad game! This Citrus Herb Chickpea Salad is a zesty, protein-packed masterpiece topped with a creamy avocado dressing that’s pure magic. It’s fresh, vibrant, and makes every bite feel like a celebration. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure together!
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- •1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- •1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- •1 cucumber, diced
- •1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- •1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- •1 orange, peeled and segmented
- •1/2 avocado
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •2 tablespoons lemon juice
- •1 tablespoon orange juice
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint leaves to the bowl.
- 3
Peel and segment the orange, removing any seeds, and add the segments to the salad mixture.
- 4
In a small blender or food processor, combine the avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- 5
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or salt for balance.
- 6
Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
- 7
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy as a main dish, side dish, or in a wrap!
Nutrition Information
Calories
298 calories
Protein
8g
Carbs
33g
Fat
15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and maintains the creamy consistency of the dressing.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for fresh herbs?
A: If you don’t have fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I replace the avocado in the dressing?
A: Yes, you can substitute the avocado with Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamy texture. Greek yogurt will add a tangy flavor, while tahini will give it a nutty richness. Adjust the consistency with a little water or additional citrus juice as needed.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the avocado dressing may darken slightly due to oxidation, but it will still be safe to eat. Give the salad a quick toss before serving again.
Q: Can I use other citrus fruits instead of orange?
A: Absolutely! You can use grapefruit, tangerines, or even blood oranges as substitutes for the orange. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but all will complement the dressing and herbs beautifully.
Q: What are some variations for this salad?
A: You can add crumbled feta cheese or diced grilled chicken for extra protein. To make it heartier, try mixing in cooked quinoa or farro. For a bit of crunch, top the salad with roasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
Q: Why is my avocado dressing too thick, and how can I fix it?
A: If your avocado dressing is too thick, it may be due to the size of the avocado or not enough liquid. Simply add a small amount of water, lemon juice, or olive oil, a teaspoon at a time, blending in between, until you reach your desired consistency.
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