Refreshing Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas & Avocado 🥒✨🍋
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than the Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad. This refreshing summer salad combines cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, and protein-packed chickpeas, all drizzled with a zesty lime and fresh cilantro dressing. Perfect for hot days, picnics, or as a light side dish, this Chickpea Avocado Salad is a nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of summer. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for something quick and satisfying, this salad is your answer.
2. Ingredients for the Refreshing Summer Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3. How to Make the Citrusy Chickpea Avocado Salad
Preparation of the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. This tangy dressing forms the base of your Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad.
Assembling the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and drained chickpeas. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. This refreshing summer salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a standalone light meal.
4. Best Storage Tips for the Chickpea Avocado Salad
For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, add a little extra lime juice on top before sealing. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will release some water over time, so it’s ideal to enjoy this salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.
5. Creative Serving Ideas for Your Refreshing Summer Salad
- Serve as a light lunch or side dish alongside grilled proteins.
- Use it as a topping for tacos or in wraps for added crunch and flavor.
- Pair it with crusty bread for a hearty picnic meal.
- Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra richness.
Looking for more summer-inspired recipes? Check out this Sweet Refreshing Summer Chicken with Peaches or the Creamy Peaches and Cream Fluff Salad for more delightful summer dishes.
6. FAQ About the Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad
Can I substitute the chickpeas?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace chickpeas with black beans, edamame, or grilled tofu for different flavors and textures.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Chickpea Avocado Salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Sharp chef’s knife – For slicing cucumbers and dicing avocado. A good knife makes preparation safer and easier.
- Salad bowl – To toss everything together effortlessly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate dressing ingredients.
- Citrus juicer – To extract fresh lime juice easily and efficiently, boosting the salad’s citrus flavor.
Investing in these tools will streamline your preparation process and enhance your overall cooking experience. Explore more about kitchen essentials with these must-have kitchen gadgets.
8. Conclusion
The Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad offers a perfect blend of crisp textures, fresh herbs, and zesty citrus flavors, making it an ideal refreshing summer salad. Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with nutrients, this Chickpea Avocado Salad will become a staple in your warm-weather recipe collection. Enjoy it fresh, share it with friends, and revel in the bright, lively flavors of summer!
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Refreshing Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas & Avocado
Discover the vibrant and healthy Refreshing Cilantro Lime Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas & Avocado, a perfect summer dish packed with fresh flavors, protein, and nutritious ingredients. Ideal for hot days, picnics, or as a quick light meal, this vegan and gluten-free salad combines cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and drained chickpeas.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To prevent avocado browning, add extra lime juice on top before storing.
- Enjoy this salad as a side dish, light lunch, or topping for tacos and wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Summer, Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
