Mediterranean Chickpea & Couscous Salad with Fresh Herb Medley
This vibrant Chickpea & Couscous Salad is a refreshing blend of textures and flavors that celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Featuring fluffy couscous, hearty chickpeas, and a medley of fresh herbs, this salad is not just nutritious but visually stunning as well. The aroma of ground cumin enhances the earthy flavors while the bright citrus dressing ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, this salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it on a sunny picnic or as a hearty meal prep option, this recipe will surely become a new favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
couscous
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
boiling water
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (divided)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon (N/A)
chickpeas
300 g (rinsed and drained)
flat leaf parsley
3 cups (chopped)
mint leaves
1 cup (chopped (optional))
green onions
6 (finely chopped)
tomatoes
3 (deseeded and chopped)
lemons
2 (juiced)
salt
to taste (N/A)
pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the couscous in a large heat-proof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the couscous and stir gently to combine. Cover the bowl with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit for 3 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Afterward, fluff the couscous with a fork to achieve a light texture.
2
In a medium pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil over a medium flame. Add the ground cumin and chickpeas, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes or until the chickpeas are warmed through and lightly golden. This will intensify the flavors of the cumin.
3
In the bowl with the couscous, add the sautéed chickpeas, chopped parsley, mint (if using), green onions, and tomatoes. Toss everything gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
4
In a small jar, combine the remaining 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is well mixed.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Mediterranean Chickpea & Couscous Salad with Fresh Herb Medley.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly as it contains plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, couscous, and fresh vegetables.
How long does the couscous need to soak?
The couscous should sit for approximately 3 minutes after pouring the boiling water over it.
What kind of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both sautéing the chickpeas and making the dressing.
How many chickpeas are required?
You will need 300 grams of chickpeas, which should be rinsed and drained.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is an excellent option for meal prep and can be refrigerated to let the flavors meld.
What fresh herbs are included in the salad?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped flat leaf parsley and 1 cup of optional chopped mint leaves.
Is the mint leaf addition mandatory?
No, the mint leaves are listed as optional, though they add a fresh dimension to the flavor profile.
How do I prepare the chickpeas before adding them to the salad?
The chickpeas should be sautéed in olive oil with ground cumin for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
What ingredients make up the citrus dressing?
The dressing consists of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How many tomatoes are used?
The recipe requires 3 tomatoes that have been deseeded and chopped.
How many green onions should I prepare?
You should use 6 green onions, finely chopped.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, you can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour for a chilled dish.
What is the best way to fluff the couscous?
After the water is absorbed, use a fork to fluff the couscous to achieve a light and airy texture.
What spice provides the earthy flavor to the chickpeas?
Ground cumin is used to enhance the earthy flavors of the chickpeas during the sautéing process.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
How many lemons should I juice for the dressing?
You will need the juice from 2 lemons.
What is the ratio of couscous to water?
The ratio is 1:1, using 1 1/2 cups of uncooked couscous and 1 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and healthy blend of grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables.
What type of parsley should I use?
Flat leaf parsley is the recommended variety for this Mediterranean salad.
How do you mix the dressing ingredients efficiently?
Combine the oil, lemon juice, and seasoning in a small jar, seal it, and shake vigorously.
Should the chickpeas be cooked before sautéing?
The chickpeas should be rinsed and drained if they are from a can, then warmed in a pan with cumin.
What heat setting should be used for the chickpeas?
The chickpeas should be heated over a medium flame.
Can this salad be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a main lunch or as a side dish.
How much extra virgin olive oil is used in total?
A total of 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil is divided between the pan and the dressing.
What texture does the couscous have?
The couscous has a light and fluffy texture once it has been properly soaked and fluffed.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dressing to taste.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be deseeded and chopped into pieces before being added to the salad.
What is the final step in preparing the salad?
The final step is to pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.