Fresh, simple, and quietly satisfying
This chickpea salad is the kind of recipe you throw together once and then keep coming back to. No cooking, no fuss — just good ingredients doing what they do best. Crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, salty feta, fresh coriander and tender chickpeas, all finished with a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
It’s fresh without being boring, filling without being heavy, and works just as well as a quick lunch as it does alongside grilled meat or fish. The kind of salad that doesn’t try too hard — and doesn’t need to.
Why this salad works
Chickpeas add substance, making it a proper meal, not a side pretending to be one
Cucumber keeps everything crisp and light
Avocado brings creaminess without needing a heavy dressing
Feta adds salt and contrast
Balsamic vinegar ties it all together with a gentle sweetness
It’s balanced, unfussy, and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced
100 g feta, crumbled
A small handful fresh coriander, finely chopped
Balsamic vinegar, to drizzle
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional extras:
A drizzle of olive oil
A squeeze of lemon juice
Thinly sliced red onion
Method
1. Prepare the base
Place the drained chickpeas and chopped cucumber into a large bowl.
2. Add the fresh elements
Gently fold in the avocado, crumbled feta and chopped coriander.
3. Season and dress
Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve
Serve immediately, or chill briefly before serving.
Tips for the best chickpea salad
Rinse the chickpeas well to remove excess salt and starch
Add the avocado last to keep it fresh and intact
Go easy on the balsamic — a little goes a long way
Use good feta — it makes a noticeable difference
How to serve this salad
This chickpea salad works beautifully:
As a light lunch on its own
Alongside grilled chicken, lamb or fish
Stuffed into pita or wraps
As part of a mezze-style spread
It also holds up well for meal prep — just add the avocado right before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — prepare everything except the avocado and add it just before serving.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, halloumi or prawns work well.
Can I swap the herbs?
Yes — parsley or mint both work beautifully if you don’t have coriander.
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