Rainbow Chickpea and Cous Cous Salad

Alright, team! Let's get cracking on a vibrant and delicious Rainbow Chickpea and Cous Cous Salad. This is a fantastic dish for a light lunch, a side at a BBQ, or even a make-ahead meal. It's packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients. Let's do this!

Recipe: Rainbow Chickpea and Cous Cous Salad

Yields: Approximately 6 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Cous Cous:

  • 1 ½ cups cous cous (Israeli or pearl cous cous holds up well, but regular is fine too)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water, if you prefer)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

• For the Salad:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but adds a lovely tang)

• For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife

Instructions:

1. Cook the Cous Cous:

• In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
• Stir in the olive oil and salt.
• Add the cous cous, stir once, then remove from heat.
• Cover the saucepan and let it sit for 5-7 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the cous cous is tender.
• Fluff the cous cous with a fork and transfer it to the large mixing bowl to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

• While the cous cous is cooling, prepare the rest of the salad ingredients.
• Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
• Dice the bell peppers, red onion, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
• Halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Chop the fresh parsley and mint.

3. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk! You want it emulsified.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• Add the chickpeas, diced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and mint to the large mixing bowl with the cooled cous cous.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• If using, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.

5. Chill and Serve:

• For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. (It can also be made a day ahead.)
• Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef's Notes & Variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier salad.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing adds a subtle kick.
• Mediterranean Flair: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
• Grain-Free Option: Substitute quinoa for the cous cous.
• Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese and ensure your Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.
• Herb Garden Swap: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or chives.
• Storage: This salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors will actually improve over time!

Presentation Tip: Serve the salad in a beautiful bowl and garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top never hurts!

There you have it! A vibrant, healthy, and incredibly flavorful Rainbow Chickpea and Cous Cous Salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Now, get cooking! And remember, taste as you go and adjust to your preferences. Bon appétit!