Smashed Chickpea Avocado Pickle (Printable Version)

Creamy smashed chickpeas and avocado with tangy pickles and lemon - ready in 10 minutes for toast or sandwiches.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes & Vegetables

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 large ripe avocado
03 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
04 - 1 to 2 dill pickles, finely chopped

→ Condiments & Seasonings

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Place the drained chickpeas in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, press down firmly until the chickpeas reach a coarse yet spreadable consistency with some texture remaining.
02 - Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh directly into the bowl with the mashed chickpeas. Fold and mash together until the mixture becomes creamy but still retains a pleasing chunky texture.
03 - Stir in the diced red onion, chopped dill pickles, fresh lemon juice, cilantro or parsley, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
04 - Taste the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve right away spread on toast, layered in a sandwich, heaped over greens, or scooped as a dip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero cooking required, which means you can make this even when your stove is buried under mail and grocery bags.
  • The texture walks a perfect line between chunky and spreadable, making it versatile enough for toast, wraps, or just eating straight from the bowl with crackers.
02 -
  • Avocado will start browning after a few hours, so this is best assembled close to when you plan to eat it.
  • If you must store it, press plastic wrap directly against the surface and it will survive overnight in the fridge with only slight discoloration.
03 -
  • Reserve a few whole chickpeas before mashing and fold them in at the end for extra texture contrast.
  • A squeeze of lemon juice directly on top right before serving gives it a fresh hit that wakes up all the flavors.

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