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    Home » Savory

    Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas

    May 31, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    255 shares
    Vegan Couscous Salad - Cold Couscous Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing! | Chenée Today

    This bright vegan couscous salad with chickpeas, charred corn, and lots of fresh veggies! This vegan couscous bowl is one of the best easy vegan couscous recipes! If you like this salad, try my Vegan White Bean Dip with Lemon and Pistachios, my Peanut Noodle Salad, and my Vegan Coconut Cake!

    vegan couscous salad in a bowl
    Vegan Couscous Salad
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas

    Once the weather warms up, it's time for all those fantastic summertime cookouts and picnics! And just as important as the grilled main dishes are the side dishes! So If you're looking for the perfect, easy side dish that everyone at your barbecue will love, look no further! This vegan couscous salad is so easy to make and full of summer veggies and bright flavors. And it's completely vegan, so anyone avoiding dairy, eggs, or meat will love it --but trust me when I say that non-vegans will love it too! It's so good, it might outshine the main dish! And so filling, it could serve as its own main dish!

    vegan couscous salad in a bowl
    Vegan Moroccan Couscous Bowl

    What is couscous?

    Couscous is a very small, rounded pasta made of durum or semolina wheat. Much of the couscous available around the world (and the kind we're using in this vegan couscous bowl) is Moroccan-style couscous, named for where it originated in North Africa hundreds of years ago.

    Is couscous good for vegan diets?

    So is couscous plant-based food? Yes, it sure is! Because it's a shape of pasta, its ingredients are typically wheat and water. So it's a perfect staple food for all types of diets, including vegans and vegetarians! In this vegan couscous recipe, we're adding lots of fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette to our couscous, so this dish is completely vegan- and vegetarian-friendly!

    vegan couscous salad ingredients
    Vegan Couscous Bowl Ingredients

    Vegan Couscous Salad Ingredients

    • couscous - you'll need to measure out a cup of uncooked instant couscous to cook before starting this salad. Don't worry -- it cooks in just 5 minutes!
    • vegetable broth - adds so much flavor to this vegan couscous salad! If you don't have vegetable broth, you can also just use water.
    • extra-virgin olive oil - we'll be using olive oil both to cook our couscous and in our easy chili-lime vinaigrette. I like to use La Tourangelle for this vegan couscous salad because it adds a nice bright flavor.
    • lime juice - you'll need the juice of about two limes for this salad. If you like even more bright lime flavor, you can add a bit of lime zest as well.
    • dijon mustard - in this vegan couscous salad, dijon mustard adds a boost of tangy flavor, and acts as a natural emulsifier -- that is, it helps to bind the oil and lime juice together when mixed.
    • ground cumin - I love the flavor of cumin with lime, and I think it goes so well in this vinaigrette and adds a nice dimension of flavor to the whole salad.
    • chili powder - adds a nice bit of spice!
    • maple syrup - we'll use maple syrup to add a bit of sweetness to our vinaigrette. If you don't have maple syrup, you can add sugar, but it may take a little more time to dissolve.
    • canned chickpeas - be sure to rinse and drain your chickpeas well before adding them to this vegan couscous salad.
    • fresh sweet corn - I definitely recommend using fresh ears of sweet corn, but if you can't find any fresh corn, then frozen kernels of sweet corn work too.
    • seedless cucumber - I chopped 3 seedless baby cucumber, but you can use part of a larger seedless cucumber too.
    • red bell pepper - adds a great crunch and so much flavor!
    • tomatoes - you'll want to use either grape or small cherry tomatoes for this vegan couscous salad recipe. I used a medley of both.
    • red onion - I love the bold flavor red onion adds to salads!
    • green onion - a must! It may seem excessive to use two types of onions, but green onions offer a more mellow flavor that is so great in this salad!
    • cilantro - adds the perfect element of flavor and freshness to this vegan couscous salad. If you're as big a fan of cilantro as I am, feel free to add a bit extra!
    vegan couscous salad in a bowl
    Vegan Moroccan Couscous

    Equipment

    Since this vegan couscous salad is mostly just chopping ingredients and adding them, you won't need any special tools. You may want a whisk to whip up your chili-lime vinaigrette, a covered saucepan to make your couscous, and utensils to toss it all together. I also recommend a cast-iron skillet or a grill to char your sweet corn.

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    How much couscous do you need per person?

    This vegan couscous salad serves 6, which means that you'll need about 3 tablespoons of dry couscous per person, for a total of one dry cup.

    What is good with couscous?

    Couscous is a staple with a fairly neutral flavor, so any of your favorite veggies work well with it! As a traditionally mediterranean food, it's often found with tomatoes, olives, onions, garlic, citrus, and herbs. In this vegan couscous salad, we're adding charred corn, which adds a smoky sweetness to balance out its acidic flavors.

    Is couscous heart healthy?

    According to Web MD, couscous is a good source of fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. If you're interested in couscous as part of a heart-healthy diet, be sure to check with your health care provider see how it can fit in.

    How can I spice up my couscous?

    You can add a kick to this vegan couscous salad with a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, or you can increase the amount of chili powder included in the recipe.

    spoon scooping vegan couscous salad

    How long does this vegan couscous salad stay fresh?

    This salad lasts for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If needed, add a bit more lime juice and olive oil before serving if your couscous salad has dried out a bit.

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    More Vegan Recipes You'll Love

    • Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
    • Sweet Potato Patties with Chickpeas and Creamy Avocado Sauce
    • Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio
    • Almond Lemon Cookies
    vegan couscous salad in a bowl

    Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Charred Corn

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    This bright vegan couscous salad with chickpeas, lots of fresh veggies, and a chili-lime vinaigrette! This vegan couscous bowl is one of the best easy vegan couscous recipes!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine :American, Mediterranean, Mexican
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 394kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • whisk
    • salad spoons
    • mixing bowls
    • 3-quart saucepan with lid
    • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
    • cutting board
    • measuring cups and spoons

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (173 g) uncooked couscous - standard variety
    • 1 ⅓ cup (313 g) vegetable broth - or vegetable stock
    • 5 tablespoon (74 ml) extra-virgin olive oil - divided
    • 3 ears fresh sweet corn
    • ¼ cup (61 g) lime juice - freshly squeezed
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon (2 ml) ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon (2 ml) chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
    • ⅔ cup (109 g) canned chickpeas - drained
    • ½ cup (67 g) chopped seedless cucumbers
    • ½ cup (75 g) chopped red bell pepper
    • 1 cup (149 g) grape tomatoes - halved
    • ⅓ cup (53 g) chopped red onion
    • ⅓ cup (33 g) chopped green onion
    • 3 tablespoon (44 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
    • salt and pepper - to taste

    Instructions

    • Heat vegetable broth and one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
      1 ⅓ cup vegetable broth, 5 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • Once broth is boiling, remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then remove cover and fluff couscous. Set aside.
      1 cup uncooked couscous
    • Heat a cast-iron skillet or sauté pan over high heat. Once hot, add corn kernels cut off the cob and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove corn from pan and let cool.
      3 ears fresh sweet corn
    • In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, cumin, and chili powder.
      5 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • Add charred corn, couscous, and all remaining ingredients to bowl and toss to coat with the vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and peppper. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator up to 4 hours.
      ⅔ cup canned chickpeas, ½ cup chopped seedless cucumbers, ½ cup chopped red bell pepper, ⅓ cup chopped red onion, ⅓ cup chopped green onion, 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves, 1 cup grape tomatoes

    Video

    Notes

    Grilled corn option: If you prefer, you can use corn that has been grilled to add a bit of smokiness to this salad. Just let the grilled corn cool, then cut the kernels off the cob and toss in with the rest of the salad!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 394 kcal | Carbohydrates: 57.6 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 225 mg | Potassium: 661 mg | Fiber: 8.5 g | Sugar: 9 g | Calcium: 51 mg | Iron: 4 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: cheap lazy vegan couscous salad, corn couscous, couscous salad vegan, couscous vegan salad, easy vegan couscous recipes, vegan couscous bowl, vegan couscous salad, Vegan couscous salad ideas, Vegan couscous salad with chickpeas, vegan mediterranean couscous salad, vegan moroccan couscous, veggie couscous salad
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

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    Vegan Couscous Salad - Cold Couscous Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing! | Chenée Today
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    Last Updated on June 2, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

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    255 shares

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Sharon

      April 24, 2022 at 5:24 am

      Wondering why the recipe says to store in fridge only up to 4 hours? I wanted to make this a day ahead to have it ready. How does the quality change?

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        April 24, 2022 at 5:27 pm

        It'll be fine for up to a day or two -- let me fix that in the instructions!

        Reply
    2. raju

      September 15, 2021 at 11:46 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.

      Reply
    3. Tristin

      June 27, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      This vegan couscous salad had amazing flavors. I brought it to a barbecue and even the non-vegans loved it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:48 pm

        That's definitely my experience too! Glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    4. Leslie

      June 26, 2021 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      Well I think I just found my new favorite summer recipe! This is amazing!!! Love this!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:51 pm

        Thank you so much! It's such a great summer side dish!

        Reply
    5. Tammy

      June 25, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love this summery take on couscous...it looks bright and delicious. A perfect side salad for so many different meals!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 04, 2021 at 10:06 pm

        Thank you! It's a great addition to any summer gathering!

        Reply
    6. Amanda Dixon

      June 25, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a perfect summer salad! The charred corn added such wonderful flavor, and the couscous made it perfectly hearty.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:51 pm

        I feel the same way! So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    7. Veronika

      June 25, 2021 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Love this salad idea! It has so much flavor! Going to save it and sake next week 😉

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:51 pm

        Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    8. Jacqueline Debono

      June 24, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      I love making couscous salad, especially in summer. This version looks and sounds really good. Love the addition of charred corn. That's a really yummy idea!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 29, 2021 at 11:49 pm

        Thank you! It's so good!

        Reply
    9. Colleen

      June 22, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      A couscous salad is a perfect change from a run-of-the-mill pasta salad. This one is going on our weekend menu. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 22, 2021 at 8:06 pm

        Awesome! I know you'll like it! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Petro

      June 21, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      This couscous salad recipe is truly amazing! I love the combination of flavors and the dressing brings it all together! Thank you for this awesome and healthy recipe.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 23, 2021 at 1:21 am

        Thank you! I love making this salad!

        Reply
    11. Marta

      June 21, 2021 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      You certainly proved that vegan doesn't need to lack flavor. The char on the corn truly rounds this dish out. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 22, 2021 at 8:06 pm

        Thank you! Glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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