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Crispy Chickpea and Couscous Salad with Feta Dressing

My Crispy Chickpea and Couscous Salad is the kind of salad that invites you to keep going back for just one more forkful. Crispy spiced chickpeas, chewy pearled couscous, peppery arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomato tossed in a creamy feta dressing for a side salad that will steal the spotlight.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

Crispy Chickpeas
  • 1 15oz can of chickpeas, drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • salt and pepper
Couscous
  • 1 cup Israeli (pearl) couscous
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • squeeze of lemon
Salad
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1/2 cup persian cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • a sprinkle of feta
Feta Dressing
  • 1/2 cup feta, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tbsp herbs (dill, parsley, or mint all work)
  • salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Start with the crispy chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Drain the chickpeas and pat dry. Then toss with olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-30, shaking the pan halfway through. Let them cool and they will continue to crisp.
  2. Make the couscous. Bring broth to a boil and add the couscous. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until broth is absorbed. Drain if necessary and add a squeeze of lemon.
  3. Make the feta dressing. In a jar with a lid you can seal tight, add all the ingredients. Shake for 20 seconds until completely combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Add a splash of water if necessary to loosen.
  4. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl combine the arugula, couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Spoon the feta dressing on top and toss. Add the crispy chickpeas on top and a sprinkle of feta just before serving.