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Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe

Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Roasting, Boiling, Mixing
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Moroccan Couscous Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fluffy couscous with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for any meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the couscous:

  • 1 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups Moroccan-style couscous not pearl couscous
  • 1/2 cup dried raisins

Vegetable and mix-ins:

  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 2 cups diced eggplant
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and grated
  • 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced zest is optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Cook the couscous: In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, turmeric, and olive oil. Bring to a low boil and stir in the couscous. Cover with the lid tightly and turn off the heat immediately. Let it sit for 5 minutes, covered and off the heat. Then fluff the couscous with a fork. Add raisins and cover again (the steam will slightly rehydrate the raisins). Set aside to let it cool slightly.

  3. Roast vegetables:
  4. On 2 large sheet pans, arrange the diced red bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and red onions on one single layer. Toss with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until crisp-tender and just slightly softened.

  5. Make the dressing:
  6. In a mason jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar and shake well to combine.

  7. Assemble:
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous and raisins with all the roasted vegetables, grated carrots, chickpeas, chopped parsley, and almonds. Drizzle the prepared dressing and toss until evenly combined. Adjust seasoning with more olive oil, salt, and pepper if needed. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!


Notes

  • Can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold.
  • Couscous cooks off the heat once the liquid has come to a boil, don’t simmer it continuously as it can affect texture.
  • For meal prep, arrange ingredients separately and toss with dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve cold or slightly reheated.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 313 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 229mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.001g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg