Place the drained chickpeas in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash them until they break apart but still retain some texture.
Add the peeled and pitted avocado to the bowl. Mash it together with the chickpeas until the mixture is smooth and creamy, but still has some chunkiness for texture.
Sprinkle in the freshly grated lemon zest. Mix well to distribute the bright citrus flavor throughout the salad.
Drizzle in the olive oil, if using, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined and evenly seasoned.
Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if necessary. The final salad should be creamy with bits of chickpeas and a fresh citrus aroma.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or in a wrap or toast.