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 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.