Pearl Couscous Salad with Feta, Chickpeas, and Herbs

June 2, 2020
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Created by Harmons
45 minutes
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped shallot
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly groun dpepper
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 1/2 cups mini cucumbers, ends trimmed and quartered
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 3 Tbsp canola oil
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
  • 1 cup broken pita chips
DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, add shallot, vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk 3 tablespoons olive oil into mixture. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil shimmers, add couscous and toast, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add water, season with salt, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain couscous through a fine-mesh sieve.

Transfer couscous to bowl with dressing and let sit, stirring occasionally, to cool slightly, 15-20 minutes. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and herbs. Toss to combine.

Meanwhile, in a 12” frying pan over medium-high heat, add canola oil. When oil shimmers, add chickpeas, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, 10-15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chickpeas to paper towels to drain. Season with salt. Sprinkle salad with chickpeas and pita chips.