Description
A vibrant and flavorful Moroccan Couscous Salad featuring fluffy couscous combined with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, dried fruits, herbs, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a spiced lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pistachios, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Couscous: Place couscous in a heatproof bowl with olive oil and salt. Pour boiling water or vegetable broth over it, stir briefly, cover tightly with a lid or plate, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped dried apricots or raisins, fresh parsley, fresh mint, and toasted chopped almonds or pistachios.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, ground cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Marinate: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the couscous salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or light meal option.
Notes
- Great for meal prep—the flavors develop even better the next day.
- For a gluten-free version, swap couscous with quinoa.
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, lamb, or falafel.
