Couscous and Chickpea Salad
Bright, zesty, and packed with flavor, this Couscous and Chickpea Salad is a quick and healthy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Fluffy couscous serves as the base for a vibrant medley of protein-rich chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and crunchy red bell pepper. Fresh parsley and mint add a fragrant herbal touch, while a tangy lemon-cumin dressing ties everything together with a burst of citrusy goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile salad is not only nutrient-packed but also easy to prepare ahead for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks. Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a light vegetarian main course or a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. Healthy, delicious, and satisfying, this couscous salad will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 0.5 red onion (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the ingredients are well-coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy as a main dish or as a side with grilled meat or fish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.3 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2272 mg | 99% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 185.5 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.4 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.0 g | ||
| Protein | 52.9 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 614 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 24.4 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 3044 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
