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Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich makes the perfect lunch, one that’s vegan, healthy, and hearty. This no-cook Indian-inspired sandwich is flavored with green chilies, cilantro, and chat masala. This sandwich tastes incredible and it’ll become a favorite in your home.
Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich
This Smashed Chickpea Avocado sandwich dates back to 2012 and was created by the OG, Two Peas and Their Pod. Since then, the chickpeas and avocado combo has gained popularity on the internet.
When I originally shared this recipe back in 2012, I tweaked the original and just added arugula and jalapeno for a kick. Over the years, my taste has evolved as I tend to gravitate towards spicier food with Indian flavors.
This recipe is similar to my Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich (Viral Indian Chopped Sandwich). For the chickpea avocado version, I also added Thai green chilies, red onion, fresh cilantro, and chat masala. Just. Trust. Me. It’s so damn good, and with a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving. Hope you guys give this delicious sandwich a try.
Love lentils and beans? Check out an entire section dedicated to Dal, Lentils & Beans.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. If you can’t find chat masala, just skip it.
- Nutrient-Dense – This healthy recipe is high protein and fiber with a whopping 24 grams of protein and 23 grams of fiber per serving. It’s hearty, loaded with healthy fats, and will keep you satiated for hours.
- No Cook Recipe + Ideal for Meal Prep – There is no cooking involved, simply mash up the chickpeas followed by the avocado. Chop a few ingredients and mix it all up. The chickpea mixture stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Plant-Based / Vegan – If you’re looking for healthy vegan options or to reduce your meat consumption, this recipe is for you.
- Easy Lunch for Busy Weekdays – You can prep this chickpea avocado mixture the night before. Make your sandwich the next day.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas – I used 13.4 ounces of boxed organic chickpeas or canned chickpeas works too. Rinse and drain them., then rinsed and drained them. Make sure to mash the chickpeas before adding avocado to it. Mashing the chickpeas takes a little effort.
- Avocado – You’ll need a medium to large size ripe avocado – mashed.
- Butter Lettuce – I highly recommend using butter lettuce leaves which are large and soft. They taste so much better than regular lettuce leaves.
- Chat Masala – Chat masala adds so much flavor so if you have access to it, definitely use it.
- Green Chilies – You’ll need Thai green chilies, but you can always substitute serrano peppers which are spicy too. For less spice, use jalapenos.
- Lemon – You may use freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice works too.
*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*
Substitutions/Variations
- Veggies – Feel free to substitute or add your favorite veggies. Some options include scallions, red or green bell pepper, cabbage, celery, and carrots; anything crunchy would work well here.
- Fresh Herbs – You can use your favorite herbs here. Aside from cilantro, dill, parsley, or basil would all taste great.
- Bread – Use whole wheat or whole grain bread for a healthier option. In this recipe, I have used whole wheat bread. Sourdough would be the next best option. Alternatively, you may use white, rye bread as well.
- Gluten-free – For a gf option, use gluten-free bread.
- Low Carb – Skip the bread, and opt for chickpea avocado salad lettuce wraps. This would be insanely good.
How to Make Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich Recipe?
1. Mash Chickpeas – Wash, rinse, and drain boxed chickpeas. You may also use canned. Add the chickpeas to a large bowl and use a large fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas – it takes a little effort. (Image 1)
2. Mash Avocado – Now, add the avocado and mash the avocado and chickpeas together. (Image 2)
3. This is what you should have. (Image 3)
4. Add Veggies & Season – Add finely chopped red onions, cilantro, and green chilies. Season with lemon juice, chat masala, and salt to taste. (Image 4)
5. Mix it until well combined. Adjust salt as needed. (Image 5)
6. Assemble Sandwich – Grab 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread. Top with 2-3 pieces of butter lettuce leaves. (Image 6)
7. Top with 2 generous spoonfuls of the smashed chickpea avocado mixture. (Image 7)
8. Top with 6-7 slices of cucumber with a sprinkle of chat masala. (Image 8)
9. Close the sandwich, Slice it in half, and enjoy immediately. (Image 9)
Recipe Tips
✓ Chickpeas – The chickpeas take a little effort so use a large fork or potato masher to mash them. Alternatively, you may use a food processor to pulse the chickpeas.
✓ Veggies – For the best results, finely chop the veggies (red onion, green chilies, cilantro).
Storage
Store the chickpea avocado salad in a glass airtight container. It should be good for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Since this contains avocado, the sooner you consume it the better.
More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes
- Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich (Indian Viral Chopped Sandwich)
- Best Vegan Hummus Sandwich (Fully Loaded)
- Paneer Sandwich
- Veg Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Bombay Grilled Sandwich
Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich
INGREDIENTS
FOR CHICKPEA AVOCADO MIXTURE
- 13.4 ounces chickpeas, washed, drained, & smashed
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1/2 of a lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt, or more
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp chat masala
TO ASSEMBLE EACH SANDWICH
- 2-3 butter lettuce leaves
- 6-7 cucumber slices
- 2 slices whole wheat bread, I used One Mighty Mill brand
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mash Chickpeas – Wash, rinse, and drain boxed chickpeas. You may also use canned. Add the chickpeas to a large bowl and use a large fork or potato masher to mash chickpeas – it takes a little effort.
- Mash Avocado – Now, add the avocado and mash the avocado and chickpeas together.
- Add Veggies & Season – Add finely chopped red onions, cilantro, and green chilies. Season with lemon juice, chat masala, and salt to taste.
- Assemble Sandwich – Grab 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread. Top with 2-3 pieces of butter lettuce leaves. Top with 2 generous spoonfuls of the smashed chickpea avocado mixture. Top with 6-7 slices of cucumber with a sprinkle of chat masala. Close the sandwich, Slice it in half, and enjoy immediately.
NOTES
- Chickpeas – The chickpeas take a little effort so use a large fork or masher to mash them.
- Veggies – For the best results, finely chop the veggies (red onion, green chilies, cilantro).
- Bread – Use whole wheat or whole grain bread for a healthier option. In this recipe, I have used whole wheat bread. Sourdough would be the next best option. Alternatively, you may use white, rye bread as well.
-
Gluten-free – For a gf option, use gluten-free bread.
This chickpea sandwich is absolutely delicious!! It’s an easy lunch idea and the best part was my 6 and 7 year old girls devoured it!!
So good and filling and simple with so much flavor! Will definitely be making again
Soooooooo delicious, it’s become one of my favorite sandwiches!! It’s a great option for weekday lunches and comes together pretty quickly! Thanks Nisha for the great idea
This sandwich is so fresh and delicious! It’s a great vegetarian sandwich and perfect for summer. I will be adding it to my lunch rotation!