This tropical-inspired simple chickpea salad features sweet-tart mango and creamy avocado in a light, yet flavorful, dressing. The unlikely combination of ingredients is always a hit at parties and potlucks. And it makes a great lunch or side dish that can be prepped in advance.
If you're looking for an alternative to chickpea "tuna salad" I recommend giving this salad a try. Even young children enjoy the incredible medley of flavors.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's loaded with flavor yet only requires 9 ingredients (plus salt).
- You can make it in 15 minutes.
- It's a complete meal on its own or can be enjoyed with other dishes.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Either canned or cooked from dried.
- Red onion
- Mango: If available, look for Ataulfo, which also goes by the names Honey and Champagne. They are smaller than the common red mango, and their flesh is much less fibrous.
- Avocado
- Cilantro: Omit or substitute parsley if you don't care for cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to cut a mango into cubes
- Using a paring knife, hold the mango upright on a cutting board and slice the sides off along the pit.
- Cut vertical lines on each piece, making sure you don't cut through the skin.
- Repeat with horizontal lines so that you end up with a grid pattern.
- Turn each piece inside out and slice the cubes away from the skin.
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply place all of the ingredients in a salad bowl and toss well to combine. You can enjoy it right away or cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to eat.
Serving suggestions
This salad is wonderful for lunch or dinner on its own. Or try it as a side with any of the following:
Storing
Leftover salad can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, do not freeze.
FAQ
Mangoes have a tropical flavor, which is sort of a cross between a peach and a pineapple. They are the sweetest when fully ripe. When not fully ripe, they have a sour taste.
While edible, the raw skin has an unpleasant taste, and some people are allergic to it. It may also contain pesticides if the mango wasn't grown organically, so it's best to discard the skin.
Like avocados, ripe mangoes should give slightly when squeezed. If it's hard, it's not ripe yet. You can place them in a paper bag or next to bananas or apples on your kitchen counter to ripen them faster.
More chickpea salad recipes
Looking for more unique garbanzo bean salad recipes? Try some of these vegan favorites:
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration, and fun.
Ever wonder why the plant-based meals you see on Facebook and Instagram look so mouth-watering and inviting while yours are bland and boring?
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📋 Recipe
Chickpea Mango Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, 15 ounces (1 ½ cups), rinsed and drained
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 mango, (any variety), cubed (See Notes)
- 1 avocado, cubed
- handful of chopped cilantro
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- dash of chili powder
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss well to combine. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Using a paring knife, hold the mango upright on a cutting board and slice the sides off along the pit.
- Cut vertical lines on each piece, making sure you don't cut through the skin.
- Repeat with horizontal lines so that you end up with a grid pattern.
- Turn each piece inside out and slice the cubes away from the skin.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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Denise
I made this for myself and my Mother in Law who is bedridden. I was looking for more vegetable recipes that will be healthy, tasty, and filling. This one fit the bill perfectly. Thank you for creating this site. I am looking forward to trying more of your recipes.
Amy Katz
I'm so happy you both enjoyed it, Denise!
Amira Dillard
Oh thank you sooo much! I’m 12 and my 4-family are meat eaters and I need quick stuff to eat, I came across this and it’s a life saver. Thx so much your awesome! #mangos
Amy
You're very welcome, Amira! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Please let me know if there are any recipes you're looking for. 🙂
Rachael
Just wondering if this recipe would work with canned diced mango instead of fresh (heresy, I know, but time constraints...)? Thanks!
Amy
Sure, I don't see why not! I would drain off the liquid first.
Kathy
My husband and I really liked this. He said, "Save the recipe." I will make it whenever I need aquafaba! I can never find a recipe and a ripe mango at the same time. So now when a mango is ripe I freeze it and it worked great for this recipe while we are vacationing in Mammoth Lakes. (I have bought frozen mango pieces, but even they weren't ripe enough for my taste.)
Amy Katz
That's wonderful to hear, Kathy! I like your idea of freezing rip mango. Thanks for the tip!
Sallie Davis
Hi! This looks really good, but I'm allergic to mangoes.....any thoughts on a substitution?
Amy
Hi Sallie! Yes, you can substitute a different fruit for the mango, such as peaches or nectarines. Enjoy!
Susan W
I just made this and it was so very tasty! Loved it!
Amy
I'm so happy to hear it, Susan! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Sherri Ellerby
I followed the recipe exactly, and the proportion of ingredients is perfect! I think the cumin and chili pepper are the "secret ingredients" to making it so delicious. Love it, Amy.
Amy
Thanks Sherri! It's definitely one of my most popular recipes. 🙂
Jenn
This is my favorite salad for picnics and BBQs. It is super easy and the sum of the flavors is awesome - better than you would expect from the ingredients.
Amy
I'm glad you like it, Jenn!