Couscous Salad
Fluffy pearl couscous tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette ties it all together for a refreshing and hearty salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the chickpeas
- b.Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them in ample water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- c.Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them again.
- d.In a pressure cooker, combine the chickpeas, 3 cups of fresh water, and 0.25 tsp of salt.
- e.Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender but not mushy. Let the pressure release naturally.
- f.Drain the cooked chickpeas and set them aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the pearl couscous
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the pearl couscous and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- d.Carefully pour in 1.25 cups of water and add the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed.
- f.Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the lemon-herb vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano.
- c.Add the freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well-emulsified.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the salad
- b.To the large bowl with the cooled couscous, add the cooked chickpeas, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- c.Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad.
- d.Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
- c.Give the salad one final toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- d.Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip toasting the couscous. It adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor that really elevates the salad.
- 2Allow the couscous to cool for at least 10 minutes before mixing with the vegetables. This prevents the cucumber from becoming soggy.
- 3For meal prep, store the salad base and the dressing separately. Add the dressing, feta, and fresh herbs just before serving.
- 4If you find raw red onion too sharp, you can mellow its flavor by soaking the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- 5For an extra layer of flavor and brightness, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the vinaigrette.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative for a fully vegan salad.
gluten freeGluten free
Substitute the pearl couscous with an equal amount of quinoa or brown rice. Cook according to package directions.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of shredded grilled chicken or a can of tuna (in water, drained) to boost the protein content.
quickQuick
To save time, use 1 can (15-ounce) of low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained, instead of cooking from dried.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and whole-wheat couscous provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Source of Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil and olives are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
The fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, along with herbs, provide a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect your body from cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this couscous salad is a healthy and well-balanced meal. It provides complex carbohydrates from couscous, plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, healthy fats from olive oil, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.