Couscous Salad (meal-prep idea)

Ingredients

• 1 piece Lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 clove Garlic (grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 15 ounces Chickpeas (drained and rinsed (about 1 15‑oz can))
• 1 cup Couscous (dry, medium‑grain)
• 1 cup Boiling Water (just boiled)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (quartered)
• 1 cup Cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup Bell Pepper (diced, any color)
• 1/4 cup Shallot (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Black Olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Shaved Almonds (toasted)

Instructions

1. Make Lemon‑Garlic Dressing

   In a medium mixing bowl combine grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, extra‑virgin olive oil, ground cumin, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture emulsifies.

   Time: PT5M

2. Marinate Chickpeas

   Add the drained chickpeas to the dressing, toss to coat evenly, and set aside to marinate while the couscous hydrates.

   Time: PT5M

3. Hydrate Couscous

   Place 1 cup dry couscous in a bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water over it, add a pinch of salt, stir quickly, cover with a plate, and let stand for five minutes.

   Time: PT5M

4. Prepare Vegetables & Herbs

   While the couscous rests, quarter the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the shallot, slice the black olives, and finely chop the parsley and mint.

   Time: PT10M

5. Fluff Couscous

   After five minutes, uncover the couscous and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

   Time: PT2M

6. Combine All Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl combine the fluffed couscous, marinated chickpeas, prepared vegetables, sliced olives, and chopped herbs. Toss gently until everything is evenly distributed.

   Time: PT5M

7. Add Almonds and Serve

   Sprinkle the toasted shaved almonds over the top. Serve immediately or chill for a cooler salad.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

10g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

12g

Fiber

6g