Couscous Salad (Vegan)

Couscous Salad with Chickpeas – An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Waiting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of salads, where each ingredient contributes to a unique culinary masterpiece! Today, I invite you to discover a couscous salad with chickpeas, a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish, perfect for warm days or as a side dish for festive meals. This recipe is not only simple but also a delight that will tantalize your taste buds!

A Little Story About Couscous

Couscous is a staple food in many cultures, made from durum wheat and having a slightly fluffy texture. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but today it is appreciated worldwide for its versatility. Couscous is rich in complex carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy. Combined with chickpeas, this salad becomes a complete meal, providing both protein and fiber.

Essential Ingredients

- 1 cup of couscous
- 250 grams of small tomatoes (preferably cherry)
- 1 small onion
- 1 can of chickpeas (about 400g)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons of almonds roasted in corn oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Step by Step to a Perfect Salad

1. Preparing the couscous: Start by placing the couscous in a large bowl. Boil water (about 1 cup and 1/4) and pour it over the couscous. Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit for 5 minutes. This is a crucial step as the couscous absorbs the water and becomes fluffy and delicious.

2. Cooling the couscous: After 5 minutes, rinse the couscous under cold running water. Use your hands to gently squeeze it, removing any excess water. This step will help prevent the couscous grains from sticking together, ensuring you have an airy salad.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the couscous cools, finely chop the onion and tomatoes. I recommend choosing cherry tomatoes as they are sweeter and add a pleasant texture to the salad. The mint leaves should be roughly chopped to provide a fresh and intense flavor.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomatoes, mint leaves, the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the orange zest and mix gently. The citrus aroma will add a vibrant note to your salad.

5. Finalizing the salad: Add the vegetable mixture over the cooled couscous and gently mix, taking care not to crush the tomatoes. Finally, incorporate the drained and rinsed chickpeas, ensuring that each ingredient is well distributed.

6. Serving: Transfer the salad to a flat platter. Toast the almond slices in a pan with a little corn oil, being careful not to burn them as they can toast very quickly. Once they have a light golden color, sprinkle them over the salad for added crunch and delicious flavor.

Useful Tips

- You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or cucumbers, to enrich the salad.
- If you like a spicier taste, add some chopped chili.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance of serving.

Nutritional Benefits

This couscous salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Couscous is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while chickpeas provide essential proteins and fiber for a balanced diet. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and mint adds vitamins and minerals. Additionally, using olive oil contributes to cardiovascular health.

Pairing with Other Dishes

Couscous salad with chickpeas can be served alongside:

- Pita bread or flatbread for a Mediterranean flavor
- Grilled vegetables for a hearty lunch
- A serving of hummus to add creaminess

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat couscous?
Yes, whole wheat couscous is an excellent choice if you want to add even more fiber to your diet.

- Can I make couscous salad with other types of beans?
Absolutely! Try using red or white beans to vary the flavor.

- How long can the salad be kept in the fridge?
Couscous salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

I wish you good appetite in preparing this delicious salad! Whether you serve it at a family meal or a gathering with friends, couscous salad with chickpeas will surely be a hit!