Ingredients:
- 1 cup (175g) pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 1 tbsp (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ¾ cups (415ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon zest
- 1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5ml) honey
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150g) English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (75g) red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup (15g) fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the pearl couscous and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the pearls smell nutty and turn a light golden brown.
- Pour in the water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the couscous rests, combine the 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is emulsified.
- Transfer the fluffed couscous to a large mixing bowl. While still warm, pour over half of the dressing and toss.
- Fold in the drained chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- Gently stir in the crumbled feta and the remaining dressing to ensure a glossy finish.