Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (255g) pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 1 tbsp (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups (475ml) vegetable broth
- 0.5 tsp (3g) salt
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 English cucumber, diced (approx. 300g)
- 1 pint (280g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
- 0.5 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 0.75 cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon zest
- 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp (3g) salt
- 0.25 tsp (1g) black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the dry pearl couscous and stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until the grains turn a golden, toasted brown.
- Pour in the broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and pearls are al dente.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the couscous sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the couscous rests, whisk together the 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until cohesive.
- Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and fluff with a fork.
- Fold in the chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.