Description
A refreshing and nutritious salad combining fluffy couscous with crispy roasted chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
- couscous – 1 cup (about 200 grams)
- canned chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz or 425 grams), drained and rinsed
- red bell pepper – 1, diced
- cucumber – 1, diced
- fresh parsley – 1/2 cup, chopped
- lemon – 1, juiced
- olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- salt – to taste
- garlic powder – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- paprika – 1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the couscous. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Roast the chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the drained chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Toss to coat evenly. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden, shaking the pan halfway through.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the chickpeas are roasting, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, and chop the fresh parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, roasted chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate. Enjoy it warm or chilled, as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to customize with other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: couscous, chickpea, salad, Mediterranean, vegetarian