This vibrant salad is packed with fresh flavors, hearty chickpeas, and roasted vegetables. It’s perfect as a main dish, side, or meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup couscous (or pearl couscous for more texture)
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare the Couscous
- In a large bowl, combine the couscous with boiling water or broth. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
- Add the chickpeas, roasted vegetables, and cherry tomatoes to the couscous.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Fold in the parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve
- Serve the salad immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Tips
- Add more veggies: Roasted eggplant, sweet potatoes, or asparagus are great additions.
- Customize protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Meal prep: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying Chickpea Couscous Salad!
