📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's prep the chickpeas. If you're using canned chickpeas (like I usually do, because let's be honest, who has time to soak dried ones?), drain them well and rinse them under cold water. This gets rid of that weird canned taste and makes them much more palatable.
2. Now, for the avocado! This is crucial. You want an avocado that's perfectly ripe – not too hard, not too mushy. Gently press near the stem; it should yield slightly. Dice the avocado into small cubes and immediately toss it with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. This will prevent it from turning brown and also adds a lovely tang.
3. Next, get your veggies ready. Finely dice some red onion (or shallots if you're feeling fancy), some celery for crunch, and any other veggies you like. Bell peppers, cucumber, or even a bit of shredded carrot work well here. I like adding a jalapeño or two for a nice spicy kick. I am a spice lover.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced avocado, red onion, celery, and any other veggies you're using. Time to make the dressing! In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or lime juice), Dijon mustard, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much. You want to keep those nice little cubes intact! Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a little more salt? A dash of hot sauce? It's your salad, make it your own!
6. Now, for the bento part. Grab your bento box (or any container with compartments) and start assembling. I like to put the avocado chickpea salad in one compartment, some whole-grain crackers or pita bread in another, and maybe some sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes in another. You can even add a small container of hummus or a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.
7. If you're meal prepping this for the week, store the salad and any accompaniments separately. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so it's best to assemble the bento box right before you're ready to eat it. This will prevent the crackers from getting soggy and the avocado from turning brown.
8. And there you have it! A delicious, healthy, and easy Avocado Chickpea Salad Bento that's perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a snack. Enjoy!