Couscous salad

Discover a vibrant and flavorful Couscous Salad recipe that's perfect for any meal. Made with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, it features red onion, garlic, juicy tomatoes, and nutritious chickpeas. Tossed in a zesty lemon juice and olive oil dressing, this salad is both wholesome and delicious. Ready in no time, it's an easy dish that's sure to satisfy!

15 Feb 2026
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 cup chicken gravy
1 cup couscous
2 tsp olive oil
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tomatoes
1/3 can canned chickpeas
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp black pepper
Couscous salad

Couscous salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the warmth of spices with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, thanks to the tender couscous, aromatic herbs, and hearty chickpeas. Perfect as a light main course or an impressive side, couscous salad is as versatile as it is delicious.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Couscous:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken gravy to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous.
- Cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the couscous absorbs all the liquid.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric powder to the skillet.
- Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing everything well.
4. Mix Everything Together:
- Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture into the pot with the fluffed couscous.
- Add the lemon juice and black pepper to the mixture.
- Toss everything together to ensure the spices and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the couscous.
5. Serve the Salad:
- Transfer the couscous salad to a serving dish.
- You can serve it warm or let it chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold salad.
6. Garnish (Optional):
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Optionally, you can sprinkle some feta cheese or toasted nuts for an extra crunch.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve your delicious couscous salad as a main dish or as a side to complement your meal.

Tips:

- Use fresh ingredients.: For the best flavor, use fresh tomatoes and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

- Let the couscous rest.: After pouring the hot chicken gravy over the couscous, cover and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the liquid and become tender.

- Fluff the couscous.: Once the couscous has absorbed the liquid, use a fork to fluff it up, breaking up any clumps for a light and airy texture.

- Adjust seasoning.: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- Add herbs.: Consider adding fresh chopped parsley or mint for an extra layer of flavor and a burst of freshness.

Enjoy your nutritious and delicious couscous salad as a standalone meal or as a flavorful side dish. Its rich spices and fresh ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, sure to brighten up any table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or proteins to put your own twist on this fantastic dish.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 90kcal
Protein 3.43g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 2.98g
Sugar 2.98g
Fat 2.46g

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