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Easy • Vegetarian

Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Couscous

A vibrant and refreshing vegetarian meal or side, packed with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and fluffy couscous.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Couscous

Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Zesty Mediterranean Chickpea Couscous is a true weeknight wonder! It's incredibly versatile – serve it warm as a light dinner, or chilled as a refreshing salad or lunch. With protein-packed chickpeas and a rainbow of vegetables, it's a healthy dish that never compromises on taste.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 cup dry couscous (regular or whole wheat)
  • 1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint (optional)

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional)

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Extra lemon wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water or broth over the couscous, cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

  2. Step 2

    While couscous steeps, prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and mint (if using).

  3. Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

  4. Step 4

    Add the fluffed couscous to the bowl with the vegetables and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with crumbled feta or extra lemon wedges if desired.

Tips

  • This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunches throughout the week.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
  • For a bit of sweetness, add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

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