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['Close-up shot of a vibrant Pearl Couscous Salad featuring chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.', 'Side view of a beautifully arranged Pearl Couscous Salad with chickpeas and colorful vegetables.', 'A detailed view of a delicious Pearl Couscous Salad, showcasing its colorful ingredients like cucumbers and olives.', 'Close view of a hearty salad made with pearl couscous, chickpeas, herbs, and spices, highlighting its freshness.']

Pearl Couscous Salad with Chickpeas

A vibrant and hearty salad combining pearl couscous, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal or side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pearl Couscous

  • 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous see note below
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, divided
  • 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup minced parsley or cilantro, or a mix of both (or torn basil)
  • 1/2 small English cucumber or small cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil, add couscous and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, then let stand off heat for 10 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse chickpeas, then pat dry. Cook in a skillet with 1 tablespoon oil until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Add spices and cook for 1 minute.
  • Combine tomatoes, herbs, cucumber, olives, raisins, and onion in a bowl. Add cooked couscous, half of chickpeas, lemon juice, pepper, and remaining oil and salt. Toss and adjust seasonings.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and scatter remaining chickpeas on top before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
Keyword chickpeas, couscous, vegetables