This is the kind of salad you make when you want real food without spending time at the stove. Beans, avocado, and a simple lemon dressing come together in minutes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- creamy avocado with hearty beans
- quick everyday prep
- great for lunch or a light dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Related recipes: Quick Beer-Battered Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- no mixed beans → chickpeas or white beans
- no parsley → fresh dill or cilantro
- no lemon → lime or a splash of vinegar
- add seeds instead of onion → sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Add the drained beans to a medium bowl and let them dry off slightly.
- Dice the avocado and add it gently so it stays chunky and creamy.
- Stir in the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley until the bowl looks colorful.
- Tip: Use a ripe but firm avocado so it doesn’t turn into mash.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, letting it coat everything lightly.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and cumin, then toss slowly until glossy.
- Taste and adjust — if needed, add more lemon for brightness.
- Tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors settle into the beans.
- Serve right away while the avocado is fresh and green.
- Tip: Mix gently at the end to keep the salad looking clean and fresh.
Serving Ideas
This salad is great on its own, but it also works well spooned into pita bread or served next to grilled chicken or fish.
FAQ
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the avocado right before serving so it stays fresh.
2. What beans work best here?
Any canned beans are fine — chickpeas, kidney beans, or butter beans all work well.
3. How do I keep avocado from browning?
Extra lemon juice helps, and storing it tightly covered slows down discoloration.
Storage Tips
This salad keeps for about 1 day in the fridge, but the avocado will soften and darken slightly.
It’s best eaten cold and freshly mixed rather than stored for long.
Personal Note: I make this when I want something healthy on the table but don’t feel like cooking at all.
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