This Avocado Chickpea Salad is the perfect weekday lunch that will keep you going through a long day at work. High in protein, fiber and put together in 5 minutes before you leave. Easy as pie (and much healthier!).
Health benefits of an avocado chickpea salad
A chickpea salad would be healthy enough, but a chickpea salad with avocado!? That’s elite level health, right there. From just the one serving you get a great amount of protein and fiber, around 20g of each!
Why do we want protein and fibre? The fiber will make you feel full and the protein will both help you feel full and contribute to muscle maintenance – perfect.
Where is all this goodness coming from in our avocado chickpea salad? Let’s start with the avos:
Why use avocado in salad recipes?
Putting avocados in salads just packs a whole extra punch of nutritional benefits.
Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats quite similar to olive oil. Those are healthy fats, fundamental to the healthy functioning of the body, including lowering cholesterol levels and stabilizing heart rhythms.
Unsaturated fat is also super important when it comes to absorbing vitamins A, D & E. These vitamins need fat in order to be absorbed into the body!
Furthemore, the high fat content means the energy from the avocados will release slowly, keeping you fuller for longer.
If you want to know more about avocados, and particularly whether or not such a fatty food can help with weight loss, we’ve tackled that question in an article, ‘Are avocados good for weight loss?’ . (ps. If you’re trying to lose weight, check out our vegetarian weight loss e-book – we’ve sold 6000 so far, so we must be doing something right!)
This is why the avocado in our avocado chickpea salad is so important – not to mention creamy and delicious!
If you’re loving the sound of avocados why not try our avocado salad dressing, so you can jazz up all your salads with some green goodness.
What’s so great about a chickpea salad recipe?
Wondering where all the protein in our avocado chickpea salad comes from? A lot of it is thanks to the chickpeas!
One can of chickpeas contains 18g protein and 16g fibre, making them an excellent plant-based protein source. Much like avocados, their high protein and fibre content mean chickpeas will keep you full for a long time.
Chickpeas are crazy versatile too. You can use chickpea flour to make pancakes and even gluten free pizzas – wild!
What a combo!
Can you see why we hype up this avocado chickpea salad? It’s one hell of a salad!
And health benefits aside: between the creamy avo, nutty chickpeas, the sweet and sour mix of lime and honey and the bites of rich salty feta … you’ve got yourself a salad that isn’t just healthy, but delicious too!
What our readers are saying
I just made this for the 3rd time in less than 2 weeks and had to make copies of the recipe at work to hand out because I got so many “likes” ???? . LOVE this recipe! I added some halved cherry tomatoes for color too.
Kathleen Day⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow! I may or may not have inhaled this. So delicious, filling, and fast. Ingredient amount are perfect. I have two kids under two years old, so I’m always on the hunt for easy meals for lunch.
Rebecca⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a delight! With what I had onhand, subbed lemon for the lime, basil for cilantro, and shallot for the red onion. SO simple (made it while wearing a sleeping baby) and it turned out fantastic! Thank you for sharing this. Can’t wait to check out your blog for more great ideas!
Lucy
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4.95 from 19 votes
Chickpea Avocado Salad
A chickpea avocado salad!? That’s elite level health right there. From just one serving you get a great amount of protein and fiber, around 20g of each!
Course Mains, Salads
Cuisine Vegetarian
Time 5 minutes
Prep Time 5minutes
Cook Time 0minutes
Total Time 5minutes
Servings 2people
Calories 458kcal
Author Hauke Fox
Ingredients
1canchickpeas(drained and rinsed; 1 can = 15oz = 435g)
1avocado
1handfulcilantro/coriander, fresh
½red onion
⅓cupfeta cheese(or similar)
1lime(juiced)
1tsphoney
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
Cut and dice up the avocado. Chop the cilantro/coriander (also the stems, if you like). Dice up half an onion.
Throw everything into a bowl, add the feta cheese, honey and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Lunch is ready!
Notes
Tried the recipe? We’re all curious! Send us a pic via instagram by using the tag #hurrythefoodup or leave a comment below.
Adapted from Two Peas And Their Pot
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Serving Size
478 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
458
% Daily Value*
Fat
25
g
38
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Cholesterol
22
mg
7
%
Sodium
1151
mg
50
%
Potassium
916
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
49
g
16
%
Fiber
18
g
75
%
Sugar
6
g
7
%
Protein
17
g
34
%
Vitamin A
438
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
23
mg
28
%
Calcium
234
mg
23
%
Iron
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Show us your version!Tag @HurryTheFoodUp on Instagram and hashtag #hurrythefoodup.
Some more lunch ideas
Chickpea Spinach Salad (7 Min, Vegetarian)
High Protein White Bean Salad (10 Min, Vegan)
Arugula Lentil Salad (12 Min, Vegan)
Round Up: 18 Veggie High Protein Salads (between 5 and 25 minutes)
The post Avocado Chickpea Salad – Level up your lunch! appeared first on Hurry The Food Up.
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are flavorful and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty, and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared in advance, and it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Cheese quesadillas are really easy to make, and I enjoy them as quick snacks. But when it comes to quesadillas for lunch or dinner, I like them to have a little more substance to them. These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with rice, black beans, and seasoned fajita peppers and onions. They’re filling, packed with protein, and great for any meal. Enjoy these quesadillas with your favorite toppings and tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Filling Quesadilla Recipe
Packed with flavor – These fajita quesadillas get much of their flavor from the onions and peppers. I like to cook them all together in a frying pan until they’re sizzling and browned, just like at a restaurant. Cooking them down until they’re caramelized adds delicious flavor to this recipe.
Easy to make – This recipe may have a few more steps than a regular cheese quesadilla, but it’s all easy. Once you mix the fajita veggies with the rice and beans, you add them to the tortilla with some shredded cheese, and then the hot frying pan does the rest of the work. You can also make these quesadillas in the oven if you wish.
Great family meal – You may not think of a quesadilla as a full meal, but these fajita rice and bean quesadillas are really filling. I like to serve them with a side of chips and dip, along with my favorite quesadilla toppings (lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole). You can make cheese quesadillas for kids, and chicken or beef can easily be added for any meat eaters.
Why Your Body Will Love These Hearty Quesadillas
Heart Health – Black beans contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, which helps decrease cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream. Lowering the “bad” cholesterol in the body can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Digestive Health – Black beans are high in insoluble fiber, which helps bulk up the digestive system and prevent constipation. The fiber in beans also acts as a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine and carries out toxins in the system.
Immune Health – Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, essential for keeping your immune system healthy and fighting off sickness. Vitamin C is also very beneficial in healing wounds and collagen production. Bell peppers are high in antioxidants, which also help protect the immune system. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize harmful free radicals, which otherwise can damage cells and tissues in our bodies.
Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadilla Recipe Ingredients
Peppers and Onion – Pepper and onion make up the fajita part of these quesadillas. I like to cook a variety of bell peppers, yellow onion, and spices together in a pan until they’re softened and beginning to brown. I have seen a few frozen fajita pepper and onion veggie mixes that may make this recipe a little easier. You can also buy packaged fajita seasoning instead of making your own.
Black Beans – I like to use black beans in this recipe, but pinto beans will also work well. Beans add extra protein and fiber to these quesadillas, helping them be more filling.
Rice – I use cooked white rice for this recipe. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can also be used, though. You can omit the rice if you prefer.
Cheese – Any cheese can be used for these quesadillas. I usually use shredded Colby Jack, but you can also use pepper Jack or quesadilla cheese, which is made specifically for melting in quesadillas. Dairy-free cheese can also be used.
Tortillas – I use large burrito-sized flour tortillas for my quesadillas; you can make yours smaller if you like. Corn tortillas can also be used to make them gluten-free.
How To Make Vegetarian Fajita Quesadillas
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the peppers, onions, and a pinch of salt. Mix and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans, and fajita seasoning to the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: Lay a large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture, and then another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil, or cooking spray. Place the quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas.
Make this recipe vegan by using a meltable, shredded vegan cheese.
How should these quesadillas be served? You can eat them alone, or top with your favorite toppings and add a side of chips and dip for a more rounded meal.
Can quesadillas be cooked in the oven? Yes, they can easily be cooked in the oven. Just lay them flat on a large sheet pan and bake at 400 degrees F. for about 10-15 minutes.
How long do leftovers last? If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should last about 4-5 days. They can be reheated in the oven, frying pan, or microwave.
Are quesadillas freezer-friendly? Yes, but they may not hold up the best in the freezer. I suggest assembling the quesadillas just until you’re about to cook them, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in an airtight freezer bag. I have found it works best to reheat the frozen quesadillas in the oven.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
These Rice and Bean Fajita Quesadillas are packed with flavor and easy to make. They’re cheesy, hearty and filled with vegetables. The fajita filling can be prepared ahead of time and then it only takes about 10 minutes to cook the quesadillas. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, or oil of choice
2 medium sized bell peppers, diced (whatever colors you prefer)
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
6–8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
Fajita Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add in the oil. Once hot, add in the peppers, onions an a pinch of salt. Mix together and allow peppers and onions to cook until they are softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent burning.
Next, add the rice, beans and fajita seasoning into the skillet and mix again until all ingredients are combined and the rice and beans are heated through. You can add a little extra oil in, if needed.
Assemble your quesadillas: lay large tortilla flat and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto just half of the tortilla. Top with about 1/3 cup of the fajita bean and rice mixture and then top with another sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold over the other side of the tortilla and press down.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add butter, oil or cooking spray. Place quesadilla into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortilla is crispy. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and enjoy fajita quesadillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Quesadilla can also be cooked on a large sheet pan in the oven.