High-Protein Curry Chickpea Couscous Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious high-protein salad featuring pearl couscous, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, herbs, dried fruits, and a flavorful curry tahini dressing. This salad combines a variety of textures and flavors, making it perfect as a main or side dish for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Couscous
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pearl couscous
Salad
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup chopped Medjool dates or dried tart cherries
- ⅔ cup mixed nuts (toasted sliced almonds, roasted cashews, and roasted pistachios)
Dressing
- 1 batch curry tahini dressing
- Extra fresh ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: In a medium pot, bring the water and kosher salt to a boil. Immediately stir in the pearl couscous and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Transfer the couscous to a large sieve and rinse with cold water for about 1 minute to cool it down. Then transfer the cooled couscous to a large bowl.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the bowl with couscous, add drained and rinsed chickpeas, shredded carrot, diced red bell pepper, chopped parsley and cilantro, finely diced red onion, chopped dates or dried cherries, and the mixed nuts. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Dress the salad: Prepare the curry tahini dressing separately. Pour the dressing over the couscous salad mixture, then toss with tongs or a large spoon until the salad is well coated. Taste and season with extra salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
- Store leftovers: Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad can be stored safely for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use pearl couscous for the best texture, but regular couscous can be substituted if necessary.
- Adjust the mix of nuts based on what you have available or your preferred flavors.
- The curry tahini dressing can be made ahead and stored separately for convenience.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Add fresh herbs generously to enhance flavor and freshness.
