Description
A vibrant and refreshing Moroccan Couscous Salad packed with pearl couscous, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, nuts, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups dry pearl couscous (Israeli)
- 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup raisins
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook Couscous: Prepare pearl couscous according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside and let it cool for at least 10 minutes to ensure it doesn’t wilt the fresh ingredients.
- Combine Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped parsley, diced red pepper, diced cucumber, sliced almonds, and raisins to create a colorful mix of flavors and textures.
- Add Couscous: Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl with the veggie and nut mixture to start bringing the salad together.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified to create a fresh and tangy dressing.
- Dress and Mix: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated and the flavors meld evenly.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the salad immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Notes
- This salad tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors intensify.
- You can substitute sliced almonds with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for variation.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free couscous alternatives like quinoa or millet.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste depending on your preference for tanginess and saltiness.
- Make sure to rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
