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Home By Meal

Moroccan Couscous Salad

★★★★★ 27 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: ErinPosted: 8/10/21Updated: 8/9/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Indulge in flavor the healthy way with Moroccan Couscous Salad. Made with chickpeas, almonds, and veggies, it’s a hearty meal filled with nutrients and flavor galore.

moroccan cous cous salad

A delicious, refreshing mix of chickpeas and couscous

I don’t know about you, but I love a hearty salad. And when it comes to Moroccan couscous salad, it’s hardly a salad at all! It’s more a savory, grain-based dish packed with veggies that leave you feeling nice and full. Plus, it’s healthy!

This chickpea salad is loaded up with couscous, green pepper, cucumber, almonds and more. It’s topped with a zesty lemon dressing for a tangy twist that makes the dish complete!

moroccan cous cous salad

Ingredients in this Moroccan couscous salad recipe

This Moroccan salad with couscous is made in two parts: the salad and a homemade olive oil-based dressing. Both parts contain lots of one thing… flavor!

Salad

  • Couscous: Start your salad with 2 cups of dry pearl Israeli couscous.
  • Chickpeas: Next, you’ll need 2 15oz cans of chickpeas. Be sure to drain and rinse!
  • Parsley: As some yummy, herby flavor with 3/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
  • Pepper: Next, add some nutrients and sweet flavor with 1 diced red bell pepper.
  • Cucumber: Do the same with 1 English cucumber.
  • Almonds: Next, 1 cup of sliced almonds changes this salad game by adding both crunch and flavor.
  • Raisins: And finally, finish off the salad portion of this recipe with 1 cup of raisins.

Dressing

  • Olive oil: Use 1/4 cup of olive oil as the base of the couscous dressing.
  • Lemon zest: Next, add 1 lemon’s worth of zest to achieve a distinct tangy taste in the dressing.
  • Lemons: Follow that with 2 lemon’s worth of juice!
  • Garlic: Add delicious garlic flavor with 3 cloves, minced.
  • Seasonings: Do the same with 1 tsp each of salt and cumin, and finish things off with 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper.
ingredients for moroccan cous cous salad
dressing for moroccan cous cous salad

Kitchen tools needed to make this recipe

To create this salad you will need a sauce pot for boiling the couscous. Then, you’ll need a cutting board and chopping knife, large mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, small mixing bowl, and whisk!

For measuring ingredients, you will need the following sized cups: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 3/4 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make Moroccan couscous salad

The photos make it seem fancy and complicated, but this dish is actually really easy to make. Just cook the couscous (which is made similarly to rice or quinoa), throw it on a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients, and make the dressing!

To begin, cook the couscous according to the package directions. Once ready, let cool for at least 10 minutes.

Add the chickpeas, parsley, red pepper, cucumber, almonds, and raisins to a large bowl and stir to evenly combine.

Mix in the couscous.

In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Once whisked, pour the dressing over the couscous.

Mix everything until well combined.

moroccan couscous salad

Substitution Tip

Need to switch out a few ingredients? Here are some easy swaps!

  • Red pepper: The red bell pepper can be replaced with green, yellow, orange, or a veggie listed below.
  • English cucumber: Likewise, you can use an American cucumber if you’d like!
  • Raisins: Finally, there is no direct swap for raisins, though you can use dried cranberries if preferred (or omit altogether)!

You can also add to your salad with carrots, zucchini, oranges, mint, or even figs!

How to store Moroccan couscous chickpea salad

Moroccan chickpea salad will stay fresh for up to one week. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If possible, store separate from the dressing to prevent sogginess. This method is ideal for meal prepping!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Dive into some more equally filling and healthy meals with these tasty recipes!

  • Mexican Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Cranberry Quinoa Salad
  • Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
  • Easy Veggie Fried Cauliflower Rice

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa

moroccan cous cous salad
moroccan cous cous salad
★★★★★ 5 from 27 reviews

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Indulge in flavor the healthy way with Moroccan Couscous Salad. Made with chickpeas, almonds, and veggies, it’s a hearty meal filled with nutrients and flavor galore.

Prep: 10Cook: 20Total: 30 minutes
Yield 10 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry pearl couscous (Israeli)
  • 2 15oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup raisins

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook couscous according to package directions. Once ready, let cool at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, add chickpeas, parsley, red pepper, cucumber, almonds, and raisins.
  3. Add couscous to bowl with veggies.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour overtop of couscous.
  5. Mix until everything is well combined and enjoy!
  6. Store in fridge for up to one week.
Author: ErinCategory: dinner, lunch, side dish, meal prep, vegan, dairy-freeCuisine: Moroccan
moroccan cous cous salad

Did you make this?

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Hannah says

    Posted on 3/29 at 11:28 pm

    Made this for the first time but will be making this weekly! Makes a huge batch perfect for lunches all week. So fresh, so good you must make!! Dressing is perfect!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/30 at 4:38 pm

      Hi Hannah, so glad you loved it so much! Thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
  2. Kristen says

    Posted on 2/8 at 12:52 pm

    This is so refreshing and delicious!!! I substituted craisins for raisins and it was super tasty. Cant wait to make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/8 at 1:32 pm

      Hi Kristen, so glad you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Nicole C says

    Posted on 1/4 at 6:32 pm

    Such a yummy and fresh salad. The addition of raisins gives it a slightly sweet taste—so good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/6 at 9:51 pm

      Hi Nicole, I am thrilled you loved it!

      Reply
  4. Steph says

    Posted on 10/26 at 6:56 pm

    Added over a bed of spinach for extra veggies 🙂 Having for lunch everyday this week.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/27 at 3:12 pm

      Hi Steph, so glad you enjoyed it and great idea!!

      Reply
  5. Nicole says

    Posted on 10/14 at 1:03 pm

    So delicious! I meal prepped this salad this week and have looked forward to lunch everyday – it’s light, tasty, yet satiating 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/14 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Nicole, so glad you loved the salad!!

      Reply
  6. Felicia says

    Posted on 9/30 at 4:02 pm

    So delicious! I added some spinach as well. Love how plump the raisins get 😂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/2 at 8:20 am

      Hi Felicia, so happy you loved the salad!!

      Reply
  7. Rachel S says

    Posted on 8/23 at 8:34 pm

    SO GOOD! Added chopped kale for some extra greens and paired with lemony fish.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/25 at 8:14 am

      Hi Rachel, so glad you loved it and made it your own!!

      Reply
  8. Alyse says

    Posted on 8/23 at 11:58 am

    This is so delicious with incredible flavor, ridiculously easy, and perfect for meal prepping lunches!! I subbed the 1 c raisins with 1/2 c cherries which is great but sweeter hence the measurement change. I also only used 1 can of chickpeas because I didn’t read before I went to the store. Thanks so much Erin!! 10/10

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/23 at 7:04 pm

      Hi Alyse, so happy you loved it and great ideas!!

      Reply
  9. Shannon says

    Posted on 8/22 at 6:48 pm

    This is my second week in a row making this for lunch meal prep for the week! It is the perfect lunch over a bed of spring mix or arugula. So so delicious! Thank you, Erin!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/23 at 6:58 pm

      Hi Shannon, so happy you love it so much and great idea!!

      Reply
  10. Jessica says

    Posted on 8/19 at 6:41 pm

    I’ll be honest – I was a little concerned about all of these ingredients going together. But, my goodness, the flavors were 🤩. Will definitely make this again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/21 at 4:12 pm

      Hi Jessica, so glad you loved it so much!

      Reply
  11. Lauren says

    Posted on 8/18 at 8:42 pm

    The flavors came together so well! My husband asked where I found the recipe and I replied “Erin lives Whole did it again”!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/21 at 4:08 pm

      Hi Lauren, so glad you both loved the salad! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Bridget says

    Posted on 8/17 at 6:00 pm

    This recipe was amazing, one of the best things I’ve made in a while!! It was quick and the recipe was easy to follow, and I will definitely be making it again. Thanks so much for the delicious recipe! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/17 at 7:36 pm

      Hi Bridget, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  13. Ingrid says

    Posted on 8/17 at 7:41 am

    Loved this salad – it has been great on these hot summer days. I added more bell pepper and cucumber to pack a few more veggies in there.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/17 at 7:34 pm

      Hi Ingrid, so glad you loved it and made it your own! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Avery says

    Posted on 8/16 at 10:52 pm

    This recipe is fantastic! It’s full of flavor and makes for a great refreshing meal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/17 at 7:33 pm

      Hi Avery, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  15. Sarah says

    Posted on 8/15 at 8:04 pm

    Such an amazing combination of flavors! Perfect dinner and would be a great lunch to meal prep!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/16 at 11:33 am

      Hi Sarah, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  16. Jordyn says

    Posted on 8/15 at 1:00 pm

    So simple and delicious. Swapped couscous for quinoa and it was the perfect side dish. Would also make for an easy work lunch! Thanks for another great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/16 at 11:31 am

      Hi Jordyn, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  17. Cristina says

    Posted on 8/13 at 8:00 pm

    Just curious, what makes this a Moroccan salad? Certainly not the Israeli couscous made from a box. This is not couscous that Moroccans eat 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/17 at 7:38 pm

      Hi Christina! Fabulous question. This salad is loaded with tons of flavor used in traditional Moroccan cooking, specifically lemon, fresh parsley, cumin, and garlic, in addition to ingredients like chickpeas which are popular in Moroccan cuisine. You can use any type of couscous you wish – regular or Israeli. I chose Israeli (although not Moroccan) because I love the big pearls and grab onto the beautiful flavors even more. And fun fact! Couscous is actually the national dish of Morocco, so feel free to use regular if that works for you!

      Reply
  18. Jaclyn says

    Posted on 8/10 at 7:57 pm

    Absolutely love this salad!! It’s so easy to make and absolutely delicious. Salty and sweet. Will be enjoying the leftovers for days.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/11 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Jaclyn, so happy you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Casey Colodny says

    Posted on 8/10 at 1:11 pm

    the flavors in this couscous salad are unreal! the dressing was the best part – could pour that over anything and everything!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/10 at 3:56 pm

      Hi Casey, so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  20. Laurie says

    Posted on 8/10 at 11:56 am

    Healthy, easy, and delicious! Can’t go wrong with this! Loved it and will be a frequent go to for weekday lunches.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/10 at 11:59 am

      Hi Laurie, so happy you loved the salad!!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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