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Chickpea Couscous Salad

Featured in Nourishing & Mindful Meals.

Oriental couscous salad with chickpeas and vegetables. 20 minutes preparation time. A quick and filling dish for 2 servings.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:28:18 GMT
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Chickpea Couscous Salad | magichouserecipes.com

A Mediterranean couscous salad combines spicy chickpeas with crisp vegetables and oriental flavors. The combination of fluffy couscous and protein-rich chickpeas makes it a complete meal.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Couscous: Light base
  • Chickpeas: Protein source
  • Fresh vegetables: Vitamins
  • Tahini dressing: Oriental note
  • Fresh herbs: Aromatic freshness
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Chickpea Couscous Salad – Fresh, Light and Protein-Rich | magichouserecipes.com

The Path to Perfect Salad

Prepare couscous
  • Pour hot broth over
  • Season with garlic
  • Let it swell
Prepare vegetables
  • Cut vegetables uniformly
  • Drain chickpeas
Develop dressing
  • Mix tahini with lime juice
  • Incorporate agave syrup and spices
  • Achieve creamy consistency

Storage

  • Keeps in refrigerator for 3 days
  • Store dressing separately
  • Use aquafaba as egg substitute

This oriental salad is perfect proof that healthy dishes can also be satisfying and flavorful.

Creative Variations

  • Quinoa instead of couscous
  • Roasted chickpeas for crunch
  • Avocado for creaminess
  • Sun-dried tomatoes for intensity
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Chickpea Couscous Salad – Quick, Nutritious and Delicious | magichouserecipes.com

Side Dish Combinations

  • Grilled halloumi
  • Pan-fried fish
  • Falafel
  • As wrap filling

Serving Suggestions

  • As buffet dish in bowl
  • Meal prep in portion containers
  • Sandwich filling
  • Low-carb in lettuce leaves

This versatile salad provides important proteins and fiber and can be perfectly adapted to personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different couscous?
Yes, whole wheat couscous or bulgur work well too. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
→ How long does the salad keep?
In the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It's best to add the dressing just before serving.
→ Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, soak and cook them beforehand. Canned chickpeas are more time-saving though.
→ What can I substitute for tahini?
Plain yogurt or pureed sesame seeds. The flavor will be slightly different.
→ Is this salad suitable for taking to work?
Yes, perfect for meal prep. Transport the dressing separately and mix it in just before eating.

Oriental Chickpea Couscous Salad

Colorful couscous salad with chickpeas, fresh vegetables and oriental tahini dressing. Quick to prepare and satisfying.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Reham


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the salad

01 50g couscous (about 1/4 cup)
02 100ml vegetable broth, hot
03 1/2 garlic clove, minced or pressed
04 1 green onion (scallion), thinly sliced
05 1/2 cucumber, diced into small cubes
06 1 pointed bell pepper, seeded and diced
07 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
08 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped
09 265g chickpeas, drained and rinsed (one 15oz can)

→ For the tangy tahini dressing

10 1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey
11 1/2 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
12 1 organic lime, zested and juiced
13 A pinch of ground cumin
14 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
15 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Place the couscous in a medium bowl and pour the hot vegetable broth over it. Cover with a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the pressed garlic while the couscous is still warm.

Step 02

While the couscous is absorbing the broth, prepare your vegetables: slice the green onion into thin rings, dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small, even pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh parsley leaves.

Step 03

Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the couscous. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the chickpeas or tomatoes.

Step 04

In a small bowl, whisk together the agave nectar, tahini, lime zest, lime juice, cumin, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  1. The reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba) can be saved for use as an egg substitute in other recipes, like vegan mayonnaise or meringues.
  2. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve after a few hours!

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fine mesh strainer or colander
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains sesame (tahini)
  • Contains gluten (couscous - use quinoa for a gluten-free option)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 383
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 16 g