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In today’s culinary landscape, salads have evolved far beyond their traditional role as side dishes, becoming stars of the dining table. Their versatility allows for endless combinations of ingredients, making them a favorite choice for health-conscious eaters and food enthusiasts alike. Among the myriad of salad options, the Spicy Avocado Chickpea Salad stands out as a vibrant and nutritious dish that harmonizes bold flavors and diverse textures, making each bite a delightful experience.

Spicy Avocado Chickpea Salad

Discover a colorful and nutritious treat with the Spicy Avocado Chickpea Salad Delight! This vibrant dish combines protein-packed chickpeas and creamy avocados with fresh vegetables and zesty spices for a satisfying meal that's both healthy and delicious. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a party appetizer, this salad is a breeze to prepare and can easily cater to various dietary preferences. Enjoy the health benefits and rich flavors that make every bite a delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced (adjust according to your heat preference)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, place the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Using a fork, carefully mash about half of the chickpeas to create a creamy base while ensuring to leave the remaining chickpeas whole. This will add texture to your salad.

    Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently incorporate the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño into the chickpeas. Carefully mix these ingredients together to maintain the integrity of the avocado chunks.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Combine these ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

        Combine and Mix: Drizzle the dressing over the chickpea mixture and add the chopped cilantro. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice depending on your preference for flavor intensity.

            Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the ingredients meld beautifully. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the salad in a big, shallow bowl and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. You can also sprinkle a few whole chickpeas on top for texture and color.