For the Salad
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into ½- to 1-inch pieces or wedges
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
- 1 small sweet or white onion, halved and thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ripe Hass avocados
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Creamy Feta Dressing
- ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts, divided
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 ounces feta, crumbled, plus feta brine if available
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon cold water, plus more as needed
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, chickpeas, and sliced onion with a generous pinch of salt and a light dusting of pepper. Set aside for 5–10 minutes to marinate.
2
Meanwhile, add ¼ cup walnuts and ¼ cup cilantro to a small food processor or blender, reserving the rest for garnish. Add the lemon juice, feta, garlic, and 1 tablespoon cold water or feta brine.
3
Blend until the dressing begins to turn light green, adding 1–2 teaspoons more water as needed to loosen it. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and pulse only until emulsified and creamy. Do not overblend. Season with salt and pepper.
4
Halve and pit the avocados. Slice the flesh without cutting through the skin, then scoop the slices out in one piece and arrange them in overlapping rows on a platter or in a low, wide serving bowl. Season with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
5
Spoon the tomato-chickpea mixture beside the avocado. Drizzle the creamy feta dressing over everything and finish with the reserved walnuts and cilantro.
💡 Cook's Tips
- Check the walnuts: Smell them before using; they should smell neutral or nutty, never stale or rancid.
- Toast for more flavor: Briefly toasting the walnuts improves their aroma and crunch. Let them cool before blending.
- Use ripe tomatoes: This simple salad depends on flavorful, in-season tomatoes.
- Pulse the olive oil: Overblending extra-virgin olive oil can introduce bitter notes.
- No appliance: Mash the feta and finely mince the walnuts, cilantro, and garlic for a more rustic dressing.
Salad
Vegetarian
Main Course