Moroccan Couscous and Chickpea Salad
Infused with the vibrant flavors of North Africa, this Moroccan Couscous and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Fluffy couscous serves as the base, beautifully complemented by hearty chickpeas, crisp bell pepper, cool cucumber, and aromatic fresh herbs like parsley and mint. A zesty dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and the exotic warmth of ras el hanout and cumin ties the salad together, offering a sweet-savory balance with a hint of honey or maple syrup for the vegan option. Ready in just 25 minutes, this colorful salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for summer gatherings, or a make-ahead meal prep option. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices, it's as nourishing as it is flavorful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 15-ounce can canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the salt. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Stir gently to coat, then allow it to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ras el hanout, cumin, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1264 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2815 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.5 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.5 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 41.7 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 573 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 2660 mg | 57% | |
*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.
