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Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette

Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette is a fresh and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This salad is full of vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients, making it not only healthy but also visually appealing. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crisp greens and the hearty chickpeas, all topped with a tangy and zesty vinaigrette.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while chickpeas provide a great source of protein and fiber. Avocados add healthy fats, making this salad both satisfying and filling. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in under 20 minutes!

How to Make Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

5 ounces baby spinach
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, water, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the baby spinach, rinsed chickpeas, diced avocados, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Dress the salad: Drizzle the garlic lime vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. If you want to add feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the salad.
Serve immediately: Serve the spinach, chickpea, and avocado salad right away. You can chill it for a short time before serving, but keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly.

How to Serve Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette

This salad is best served fresh. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also a great addition to a picnic or potluck because it holds up well and is easy to transport.

How to Store Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the avocado may brown over time. It’s best to enjoy this salad within a day for the freshest taste and texture.

Tips to Make Spinach, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Garlic Lime Vinaigrette

Use ripe avocados so they add creaminess without being too firm.
Be careful when mixing the salad to avoid smashing the avocado.
You can customize the salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.

Variation

Feel free to swap out chickpeas for black beans or add different nuts or seeds for variety. You can also try different cheese options or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.

2. Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use bottled lime juice, but fresh lime juice gives the salad a brighter flavor.

3. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan if you omit the feta cheese. The chickpeas and avocado provide plenty of protein.