Authentic Moroccan Couscous Salad
Crunchy leaves and decadent dressings, I have recently been all about that life. Yes, freshly tossed salads have become my favourite go-to “meal”, and I’m not talking about having one as a lunch or dinner accompaniment but as a filling meal that’s appetizing as well as appealing. Of course, adding high-carb foods, like pasta or rice is a great way to bulk up a salad, but my preference {ever since our trip to Morocco} has been Couscous or steamed semolina {a North Africa staple} to add that light and fluffy texture. It is my holy grail on days when I’m bored of the same old salad combinations and want to switch things up!
Thoughtful presentation leads to a more enjoyable meal ~ don’t you agree? Hence, I favour meals that are not only delicious but actually look visually enticing and also save time on cooking. These past few months I have been experimenting with picture-perfect salad recipes that don’t require many ingredients and are time efficient as well. This authentic Moroccan couscous salad whipped up using just couscous, chickpeas and vegetables is one of those recipes that taste really impressive, isn’t time-consuming, and is nutritious enough to be eaten as a balanced meal on its own. I’m head over heels in love with this delicious and Authentic Moroccan Couscous Salad with Roasted Vegetables, Chick Peas, and Almonds! Since I don’t really post many recipes, you can guess how good this one is! Try and let me know if you like it.
Authentic Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- Hot water ~ 400 ml
- Couscous ~ 200 gm
- Chickpeas ~ 1 can, instant
- Zucchini/Squash ~ 1 large, diced
- Red and Yellow Bell Peppers ~ 2 large, diced
- Onion ~ 1 large, diced
- Garlic ~ 8 cloves
- Olive Oil ~ 1 tbsp
- Lemon ~ 1 large, juiced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil ~ 3 tbsp
- Cilantro/Coriander leaves ~ handful, chopped
- Almond Slivers ~ 2 tbsp, toasted
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper ~ to taste
Preparation:
- Toss the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, onions and garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil. Use the salt and cracked black pepper to season.
- Place the vegetables in a single layer onto the roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender. Set aside and cool for 10 min.
- Prepare the instant couscous as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Using a fork, fluff the cooked couscous. Then toss the couscous with the chickpeas, roasted vegetables and cilantro.
- Mix together the juice of one lemon with extra virgin olive oil. Shake it well and use it to dress your salad.
- Sprinkle slivers of toasted almond before serving.
I love the blend of Moroccan flavours here and I just love all the textures going on, too!
How can this amazing salad not taste good with flavours like that?! Additionally, it can be easily adapted to your favourite veggies; a great way to use up what you have in your kitchen while sneaking in some fibre. Just give it a try and you will see why I love it so much!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! I’d love to have you share your thoughts in the comments below. I’ll be waiting to hear from you!
The flavour combo sounds so delish! ✨ I used to find couscous super boring. Then I come across your amazing recipe where you’ve just added loads of niceness and as many nutrients! Thank you for sharing.
You’re the best ~ always such a compliment from you, Rushika!
This is pure bliss! ✨ Most days I try to make something at home for lunch to cut down on plastic (and save money!) Today’s recipe is a perfect example of how grains can make a deliciously simple meal. My warmest wishes coming your way, Tanya.
You’re much too kind for words, Kunal. Thank you so much!
Oh wow, this looks so delicious! Your inner strength shines in your work, Tanya.
On a side note: I recently rustled up a salad bowl made up of couscous, roasted butternut squash and garlic with toasted pine nuts, feta and fresh basil. 🙂
Many thanks, Archana. Now how do I take this smile off my face!
That couscous looks fantastic! A healthy dish that packs a crunch! Just so you know, I’ve been into couscous lately, so loving this easy and quick recipe.
This is so kind, Swagata!
This is beautiful – yes, pleeeeease! I have to make this! ❤️
Fun fact: Couscous – Is it pasta or a grain? People like to argue about this but it’s actually tiny pasta… Moroccan couscous is the smallest in size while Israeli couscous is larger, about the size of peppercorns.
Thank you for your appreciation, Sangeeta.
Ooooh, this looks so amazing! Cooked properly, it should be light and fluffy… would love to try it! By the way, I usually toss couscous with feta, red peppers, purple cabbage and cucumber, and drizzle with lemon and olive oil.
I value your kind thoughts deeply, Soniya.
Oh my! This looks heavenly… Goes to show that THE SIMPLEST things can be turned into a tasty dish! This easy recipe will be loved by everyone at home. 🙂
Thanks so much, sweet soul!
Love love love a Couscous meal; all the flavours and quick to make. Beautiful photos, too. Overall, I love simple great tasting dishes, great job chef!
I truly treasure your love, Dharmender!
Yummm!! Nothing complicated but sometimes the easiest meals are the most delicious… Spicy and full of flavourful goodness!! Always great food styling, too.
So glad to hear this, Abigail. Thank you very much!
“Couscous, the food so nice they named it twice.”
What an incredible meal! It has the potential to be amazing once the flavours come through strong enough… I can’t wait to make and to taste this sensational bowl of deliciousness!!
Thank you for your warm appreciation, Ashweta!
This plate of deliciousness is just the sinfulness I need! Just so you know, I am a big ❤️ fan of your authentic recipes, Tanya! Wishing that your home and heart is always filled with happiness and peace.
Thank you very much, Natasha. I’m touched!
Comfort food that looks delicious and savoury! Be it a formal gathering or an informal meet among friends, a handi of couscous suffices! ❤️ Sending positive vibes to you, gorgeous girl!
Thanks much, Neha. I really appreciate your support!
Yummy, what a scrumptious meal… love those colours! Couscous is so versatile, and your version looks so fresh and nourishing. Thank you for your amazing curations, Tanya!
Thank you, Sunita. You fill my heart with joy!
Omgggg, so beautiful – I love couscous! And, this whole meal just screams flavourful to me… Absolutely beautiful colours, too!
Sweet of you, Bandita. Thanks much!
This looks really mouth-watering and sounds so delicious! It’s just my thing… Making me hungry ❤️ Saved to the collection to hopefully try soon!
That’s great! Glad to hear it, Harapriya.
Oh wow, this is beautiful! I love easy recipes, and this salad looks fresh and perfect for this weather!! Looks like something I have to try out… Thanks for the share!
Thank you very much, Monoj! I’m greatly encouraged.
This is so amazing… and those colours; interesting to my eye and belly! I’ll have a plate, please!
Always full of joy and wonderful things to say you are, Priyasha. Thank you so much!
Yum ❤️ Such a great flavour combo – I LOVE couscous with hearty greens! I’m on board ~ it’s couscous time!
Thank you, Sukanya. I’m glad you find the content useful.
Loving this. Always look forward to your posts and beautiful write-ups. Enjoy your day & have a great week, Tanya!
Thank you so much for these kind words, Piyush.
Pretty and freshly delicious couscous… I love the colours! I’m so here for this, Tanya!
May you keep healthy and fit always. Lots of love to you! ❤️
Your wonderful words are sure to go a long way for me, Shreya.
Wow, this meal looks so perfect! Love the colours and the intricate detailing of your images… This is certainly my kind of couscous!
Take care and thank you for your kind thoughts, Sumayya.
Now, this is my kind of dinner! So vibrant and beautiful – it really is like eating the rainbow! Take care and will wait for your next post. ❤️
How nice of you, Neetu. Many thanks.
Wow, so colourful and nutritious ❤️ with so many gorgeous ingredients! You certainly brought some sunshine to lunch with this couscous!
Thrilled to have such appreciation from you, Lakshmi.
Delicious as always. ❤️ My mum made us this delicious couscous salad with orange, fennel and halloumi cheese. It made us feel all summery and looking forward to (hopefully) going on holiday soon.
Thank you, Raghav, for these sweet thoughts.
This looks delicious. Reminding me of springtime; colours of flowers and the colour of tender new leaves – could devour a bowl right now!
Thank you, Gaurav! Your kind thoughts are very valuable to me.
I’m drooling at how amazing the food looks! The colours will definitely lift the mood around as it has done to me by seeing your wonderful post… Awaiting more of your interesting posts and beautiful pictures.
Loving your beautiful compliments, Shaik.
Loveee the look of this ❤️ packed with all the right nutrients to nourish you and keep you energised, and I love how beautifully you have styled it!
Aww Aaliya! Such a sweet thing to say. Looking forward to reconnecting with you.
Wowowow – this is what dreams are made of! ❤️ The closer winter gets, the more I want to have light meals with fresh food that’s easy to prepare!
On that note, this is indeed a vibrant blog, so perfect for an effervescent person like you! ❤️
I’m so glad you like my post! Thank you truly for always being my cheerleader, Bharat.