I’ve heard my friend Maria mention her favorite go-to lunch being her Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich more than a few times. Every time she mentions it I immediately begin to crave it, but for whatever reason, I have never actually gotten around to making it for myself. Don’t you hate when that happens?
The other day Dara asked the question “what are some of your favorite go-to lunch ideas?” on her Facebook page and after seeing Maria’s comment about what hers was, I figured it was finally time to make it for myself – especially since I had nothing planned for lunch but happen to have an avocado and a can a chickpeas in the pantry (like I pretty much always do).
I didn’t have everything I needed to make it exactly how Maria does, but I improvised and used what I had in my kitchen. The fresh whole wheat bread from the bakery and the zippy arugula along with the lemony smashed chickpea and avocado mixture made this sandwich one of my favorite lunches I’ve had in a long time. As a matter of fact, I’m having it for lunch again this week.
I don’t recommend waiting as long as I did to try it. 
This recipe is adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod's Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Salad Sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 can Bush's Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), rinsed and drained well
- 1 avocado
- juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon coarse lemon pepper seasoning
- pinch salt and pepper, optional (omit if lemon pepper seasoning already has salt - the one I've been using is No Salt Added)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
- handful arugula
- sliced whole grain bread
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine combine beans, avocado and lemon juice. Mash well with a large fork until well combined. (I used a serving fork, but if you have a potato masher feel free to use it. This part takes some muscle)
- Stir in lemon pepper seasoning, crumbled feta, salt and pepper (if using).
- Build your sandwich with 2 slices whole grain bread, a handful of arugula and chickpea & avocado mixture.
Notes
I've stored this in the fridge for a couple of days for quick lunches. The lemon should keep the avocado from browning.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
What an interesting idea and combination for a sandwich! I do love both chickpeas and avocados, so I bet it is delicious.
This sandwich looks like what I need for lunch! I LOVE chickpeas!
What time is lunch? I’ll be right over!
This has been calling my name ever since Maria first made it! YUM! Glad you think its fabulous as well.
I want this for lunch right now!!!
I’ve been on a sandwich kick lately! Love ‘em.
I’m going to have to try this! I have to get some avocados though!
This is beyond fabulous, Aggie! I could probably eat this every day for lunch!
Love this Aggie. So fresh and healthy! Yum!
Love this!
I will not wait as long as you did. Promise.
Looks fantastic, Aggie!
Ummm this sounds crazy delicious! Must give this a try sooner (than later)!
Completely loooks like a lunch I would make. YUM!
Looks AMAZING
Delicious! I love chickpeas and avocado.
Gorgeous sandwich!! Chickpeas are such a great meat substitute.
I have to try this!! I love both chickpeas and avocados!!
it was so good, you’ll love it!
This looks delicious! A perfect balance of creamy avocado and crispy arugula. Love your recipes.
I have to say that looks absolutely fantastic, can’t wait to try it.
Yum! I made this for lunch yesterday and love it! I forgot to buy arugula, so layered on some thinly sliced seedless cucumbers, added a little dill, and then, because it is FREEZING here (8 degrees yesterday), I spread some butter on the bread and grilled it for a warm sandwich. Totally delish. And now I’m off to eat another one from my leftovers! Thanks, Aggie!