Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado

There’s something truly refreshing about a salad that brings together vibrant greens and hearty ingredients, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado. I remember the first time I whipped this up, it was one of those sunny spring days when everything blooms, and I felt inspired to create something fresh and wholesome. As I tossed the colorful ingredients together, the delightful crunch of fresh vegetables combined with the creamy texture of avocado and the zingy flavor of dill made each bite a celebration of spring.

Ingredient List for Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado

When it comes to creating the Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado, every ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The combination of fresh veggies with hearty chickpeas creates a satisfying dish that’s not only nutritious but also a feast for the eyes.

• Canned chickpeas – A fantastic source of protein and fiber, chickpeas add a nutty flavor and chewy texture to the salad.
• Lemon-flavored olive oil – This adds a bright citrus note that enhances the overall freshness of the salad.
• Dried dill – This herb provides a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the chickpeas and adds a refreshing twist.
• Garlic – A touch of fresh garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic qualities, making it irresistible.
• Kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat and complexity to the salad.
• Chopped lettuce – Choose crisp varieties like red leaf or romaine for added crunch and nutrition.
• Cucumber – Freshly sliced, it adds a cool and crunchy element that’s perfect for spring.
• Cherry tomatoes – Their sweetness and juicy burst make them a delightful addition to the salad.
• Avocado – Creamy and rich, avocado enhances the texture and adds healthy fats.
• Sliced shallot or red onion – Adds a mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
• Feta cheese – Crumbled for a tangy and creamy finish that rounds out the dish.
• Fresh basil leaves – They bring a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements all the flavors.

Step by Step Guide for Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado

Making the Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado is a delightful experience that combines simplicity with flavor. Follow these steps for a vibrant dish that captures the essence of spring.

1. Start by preparing the chickpeas. In a small bowl, mix the chickpeas with lemon-flavored olive oil, dried dill, garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and let it sit while you prepare the rest of the salad. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a nice zing.
2. Next, take a large serving bowl and layer in the fresh lettuce as the base. You want to use a mix of greens like red leaf or romaine, as they provide a lovely crunch and a nutritious foundation.
3. Now, it’s time to add the chickpeas to the serving bowl. Spread them evenly over the lettuce to ensure each bite has that delightful flavor.
4. Slice the cucumber and add it on top of the chickpeas. The coolness of the cucumber perfectly balances the warmth of the chickpeas and adds another layer of crunch.
5. Then, toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes. Their juicy sweetness will brighten the salad and complement the other ingredients beautifully.
6. Now, cube the avocado and scatter it over the salad. The rich, creamy texture of the avocado creates a lovely contrast with the crunch of the lettuce and the chickpeas.
7. Next, add in some sliced shallot or red onion for a mild onion flavor. This enhances the overall taste while keeping it fresh and light.
8. Don’t forget to crumble some feta cheese on top. The salty, creamy feta adds a wonderful richness that ties everything together.
9. Drizzle more lemon-flavored olive oil over everything, and add additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final touch elevates the flavors and makes each bite unforgettable.
10. Lastly, garnish your salad with fresh basil leaves. This aromatic herb adds a fragrant touch that makes the dish feel complete. Enjoy your Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado fresh!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your preferences:

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days.
• Freezing: While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze components like chickpeas and avocado separately to preserve their quality.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a more filling meal.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes for a colorful twist.
• Dressing Choices: Experiment with different dressings, like a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing, for added flavor.
• Make it a Meal: Add quinoa or farro to turn this salad into a heartier meal option.

How to Serve Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado

When it comes to serving the Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado, the options are abundant. Here are some delightful ways to present this fresh dish:

• As a Main Dish: This salad can easily be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. Simply double the ingredients to serve more people.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack this salad in a portable container for picnics or outdoor gatherings. It’s refreshing and easy to transport.
• Seasonal Celebrations: This salad is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Serve it at BBQs or family reunions to impress your guests.
• Pair with Grains: Serve alongside a side of warm quinoa or couscous to create a balanced meal.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep the salad in the fridge and consume it within two to three days for the best taste.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nuts for texture when serving.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado is truly a celebration of fresh flavors and textures that will brighten any meal. It’s nutritious, versatile, and simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. I encourage you to try it out and share it with family and friends—everyone will love it!

Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado

The ultimate refreshing meal for warm days, this Crunchy Green Salad with Dilly Chickpeas and Avocado combines vibrant greens with hearty chickpeas and creamy avocado. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 1 salad

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons lemon-flavored olive oil or regular olive oil with the zest and juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• ½ clove garlic pressed
• ? teaspoon kosher salt
• ? teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups chopped lettuce like red leaf or romaine
• ½ cumber cucumber peeled and sliced
• Handful cherry tomatoes sliced
• ½ avocado avocado cut into chunks
• sliced shallot or red onion
• feta cheese
• fresh basil leaves

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix the chickpeas with the olive oil, dried dill, garlic, and kosher salt and pepper, adjust the seasonings to taste, and set aside.
• In a serving bowl, layer the lettuce, chickpeas, tomato, cucumber, avocado, shallot, and feta cheese. Drizzle with more lemon flavored olive oil and season with more salt and pepper and a few torn fresh basil leaves and enjoy.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days.
• Tip 2: While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze components like chickpeas and avocado separately to preserve their quality.
• Tip 3: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a more filling meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes for a colorful twist.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different dressings, like a balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing, for added flavor.

Keyword Avocado Salad Recipe, Chickpea Salad, Healthy Green Salad, Spring Salad

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!