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As the warm sun beckons us outdoors, there's nothing quite like a refreshing meal that brings the vibrant flavors of summer to your table. The Refreshing Cold Chickpea Couscous Bowl is a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of light, nutritious eating, making it an ideal choice for warm days, picnics, or meal prep. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits that will leave you feeling revitalized and satisfied.

Cold Chickpea Couscous Bowl

Looking for a light and refreshing meal to brighten your summer days? Try the Refreshing Cold Chickpea Couscous Bowl! This colorful dish combines fluffy couscous, protein-rich chickpeas, and a medley of fresh veggies, all tied together with a zesty dressing. Packed with nutrients and customizable to your tastes, it’s perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch. Wholesome, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, it's a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy, vibrant option!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped

1 ripe avocado, sliced

Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water to a rolling boil. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the couscous until evenly distributed. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Once ready, use a fork to fluff the couscous gently, then set it aside to cool to room temperature.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

      Combine Vegetables and Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Gently mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined.

        Incorporate Couscous: Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl of vegetables and chickpeas. Use a spatula to fold the couscous into the mixture carefully, ensuring everything is mixed together well.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the couscous mixture. Toss the ingredients gently to coat them evenly with the dressing, allowing all the flavors to blend harmoniously.

            Serve: Spoon the cold chickpea couscous bowl into individual serving bowls. For a beautiful presentation, top each bowl with slices of fresh avocado and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese if desired.

              Chill (Optional): For an even more refreshing taste, cover and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | Serves 4