Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the delightful world of Middle Eastern flavors with our Chickpea Date and Avocado Salad with Zaatar Vinaigrette! This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 10 minutes, combines the creamy texture of avocado, the sweetness of dates, and the hearty goodness of chickpeas, all tossed together with a fragrant zaatar vinaigrette. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure—let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon zaatar spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess sodium and canning liquid. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure the salad doesn't become watery.
- Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, toss the avocado cubes with a small amount of lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- Finely chop the dates, removing any pits if present. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Mince the red onion into very fine, consistent pieces to ensure a balanced flavor and texture in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, diced avocado, chopped dates, and diced red onion.
- Chop the fresh parsley, including both leaves and tender stems, and add to the bowl.
- For the zaatar vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil and zaatar spice in a separate small bowl until well combined.
- Pour the zaatar vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Rinse and Dry: Make sure to rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent your salad from becoming soggy.
- Prevent Browning: To keep your avocado looking fresh and green, toss it with a little lemon juice right after dicing. This simple step will preserve its vibrant color.
- Chop Uniformly: For a balanced flavor in every bite, ensure that all your ingredients—especially the red onion and dates—are chopped into small, uniform pieces.
- Mix the Vinaigrette: Whisk the olive oil and zaatar spice together until well combined. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures an even distribution throughout the salad.
- Let it Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: This salad is versatile! It can be served chilled for a refreshing dish or at room temperature for a more rustic feel.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients like feta cheese, cucumber, or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
