A light and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad, combining couscous, chickpeas, tangy feta, and olives for a healthy, vibrant dish perfect for lunch or as a side.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the couscous:
- In a medium pot, bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil.
- Stir in the couscous, cover the pot, and remove from heat. Let it steam for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the salad ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced cucumber, red onion, tomato, and parsley.
3. Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and toss:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together gently until well combined.
5. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a few extra feta crumbles if desired.
Tips:
- For extra crunch: Add some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to the salad.
- Add more vegetables: You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant for more flavor.
- For a protein boost: Include some grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
This Mediterranean Chickpea Couscous Salad with Feta and Olives is the perfect mix of fresh ingredients, tangy feta, and hearty chickpeas, making it a nutritious and delicious meal!
