Name: Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup couscous; 1 cup vegetable broth; 2 carrots, grated; 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; Salt and pepper to taste

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Ever craved a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and good for you? Look no further! This Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck contribution, or a light dinner. Inspired by the colorful markets of Morocco, this salad brings a touch of exotic spice to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad

This isn’t your average salad! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bursting with Flavor: The Moroccan spices create a warm, inviting taste.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
Satisfying: The couscous and chickpeas make it a filling meal.
Aromatic: Your kitchen will smell amazing while you prepare it!
Naturally Vegetarian: A great option for meat-free meals.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful salad. I’ve included some tips to help you choose the best ingredients!

1/2 cup (approximately 85g) couscous
1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth: Use low-sodium for better control over the saltiness.
2 medium carrots, grated (about 1 cup): Choose firm, bright orange carrots.
1 can (15 ounces/425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Rinsing removes excess sodium.
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup): Adds a nice bite.
1/4 cup (approximately 40g) raisins: Golden raisins can be substituted for a different flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh is best! Look for bright green, vibrant parsley.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds the most flavor.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always preferred.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the cumin seeds before grinding.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Toasting the coriander will also bring out the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Use high-quality cinnamon for the best aroma.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: A pinch of fresh grated ginger can be used instead.
Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tip: Toasting your spices (cumin and coriander) lightly in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the dressing really unlocks their flavour potential!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Moroccan Carrot and Chickpea Salad – A delightful variation with a slightly different spice profile.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Medium saucepan: For cooking the couscous.
Large mixing bowl: To combine all the salad ingredients.
Small mixing bowl: For whisking together the dressing.
Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.
Fork: To fluff the couscous.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when making this recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Moroccan couscous salad with chickpeas and carrots.

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable, so feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad every time!

Prepare the Couscous

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the couscous.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. This allows the couscous to absorb the broth and become light and fluffy.

Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, grated carrots, chickpeas, red onion, raisins, and parsley.
Make sure the couscous has cooled slightly before adding it to the other ingredients to prevent wilting the parsley.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until well combined and slightly emulsified. This ensures the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

Assemble the Salad

Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature or chilled. This allows the couscous to fully absorb the dressing.

CHECK OUT: Chickpea Cucumber Avocado Salad with Chili Lime – For another refreshing and easy salad recipe!

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly:

Don’t overcook the couscous: Follow the package directions carefully to avoid mushy couscous.
Taste and adjust: After the salad has sat for 10 minutes, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor that dried parsley can’t match.
Grate the carrots finely: This helps them blend in with the other ingredients and ensures they are tender.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or cucumbers.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to make this salad your own? Here are some ideas:

Add nuts: Toasted almonds or pistachios add a nice crunch.
Substitute dried fruit: Dried cranberries or apricots can be used instead of raisins.
Add a protein boost: Grilled tofu or edamame can be added for extra protein.
Make it gluten-free: Use quinoa or rice instead of couscous.

Bright couscous salad with vibrant vegetables.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad

This salad is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it as part of a meal:

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
Pack it for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
Bring it to a potluck or picnic.
Pair it with a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage like sparkling water with lemon.

Health Benefits

This salad isn’t just delicious, it’s also good for you! Here are some of the health benefits:

Chickpeas: Excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting vision and immune function.
Couscous: Provides carbohydrates for energy, as well as some protein and fiber.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover salad:

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the couscous may become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use canned carrots instead of fresh?

While fresh carrots are preferred for their texture and flavor, canned carrots can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad.

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.

Is this salad gluten-free?

No, couscous is not gluten-free. However, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using quinoa or rice instead of couscous.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 10g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more vibrant and flavorful salads? Check out these delicious recipes:

Chickpea Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A creamy, refreshing salad perfect for a light lunch.
Chickpea Spinach Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A Mediterranean-inspired salad bursting with flavor.
Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad – A light and refreshing salad with classic Mediterranean flavors.

Conclusion

This Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your delicious creation!

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Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad