Description
Summer Pearl Couscous Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring tender pearl couscous, colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and crunchy roasted chickpeas tossed in a bright lemon dressing. Perfect as a light meal, side dish, or meal-prep option during warm weather.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1½ cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chickpeas)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt (for dressing)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for dressing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Meanwhile, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the pearl couscous, reduce the heat, cover, and cook according to package directions until tender.
- Drain any excess liquid if necessary and allow the couscous to cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with the crispy chickpeas just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Notes
- Store roasted chickpeas separately to keep them crispy.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or extra chickpeas can be added for more protein.
- Roasted zucchini, corn, asparagus, or olives make excellent additions.
- Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
- Refresh leftovers with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
