For someone who has been dancing approximately 300 hours a day (give or take) recently, I’ve been feeling unhealthier than ever as of late.
This week, I needed a clean food intervention
Now, everyone says juice cleanses do a lot, but I don’t really think they do. Also, I don’t own a juicer. And, I need something seriously filling.
So basically, juicing was off the table. And this salad was on it.
Couscous is one of my favorite grains, because it’s so easy to make. Equal parts of couscous and water cook to fluffy perfection in the microwave in about two minutes. Yes, the microwave.
In the age of quinoa (which is amazing in its own right), couscous has kind of been pushed aside. I appreciate you, couscous!
This salad is perfect for a summer lunch- it’s light, refreshing, and so quick and easy to make! The only (kind of) time consuming part of this recipe is slicing the kalamata olives. And that only takes about a minute and is so worth it.
The best part of this post is definitely my new dishtowel. I walked into Sur la Table just to browse (oh, who was I kidding) and they were on sale, buy one get one free. So of course, IÂ had to buy one. And get one free. It was awesome and I love both of them.
I’m such a nerd.
You may not have my cute new towel, but you could have this salad in under half an hour and I guarantee it would make your day almost as awesome as mine when I saw the sale.
Almost.
- ⅓ cup whole wheat couscous
- scant ¼ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- scant ¼ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 12-14 jumbo pitted kalamata olives
- ⅔ cup arugula
- ½ a small avocado
- ¼ cup olive oil
- juice of half a lemon
- Stick your olive oil in the fridge.
- Heat couscous and ⅓ cup water in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 2 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and immediately fluff with a fork.
- Slice kalamato olives and avocado.
- Toss to combine couscous, chickpeas, black beans, olives, arugula, and lemon juice.
- Chill in fridge for 10 minutes.
- Add olive oil and toss.
- Garnish with sliced avocado.
This looks wonderful! Love all of the avocado. 🙂
Thanks!
I too love a good sale and Sur la Table always makes me happy 😀 We love couscous. My kids ask for it all the time. I really love this salad with the chickpeas and black beans. Definitely a salad to fill you up and make you feel better 😀
It’s awesome! Thanks 🙂
I will definitely have to try this sometime soon!
Let me know how it goes!
I like that you used arugula and avocado, a great way to kick up the flavors.
Thanks, Julie!
Beautiful salad! I love refreshing salads like this when I’m feeling like I need more veggies in my life.
I always feel like I need more veggies in my life… and then I eat more fudge.
This salad looks delicious! I’ve never actually made one with couscous before, so I’m definitely trying it out. Looks beautiful, especially with the avocados!
Omg you have to put couscous in salads, it’s where it really shines. I’ve had it on its own and not been a huge fan, but in salad it’s a totally different story.
I think I’d have to drink about 15 juices before I filled up so I agree juice detoxes are not for me! Salad detoxes on the other hand…this looks so yummy! I love avocado 🙂
Hahaha same! Thanks 🙂
mmmm this looks SO tasty! I’ma try it this week, fo sho! xxx
Haha thanks let me know how it goes!
Glad I stumbled by – I, too, am guilty of pushing cous cous aside for quinoa – but your salad reminded me how much I adore cous cous! This is such a wonderful combo of ingredients – I think I would prefer a bowl of this over a juicefest anyday!
Haha thanks for stopping by!
Glad I stumbled by – I, too, am guilty of pushing cous cous aside for quinoa – but your salad reminded me how much I adore cous cous! This is such a wonderful combo of ingredients – I think I would prefer a bowl of this over a juicefest anyday!!
Haha thanks for stopping by!
Gorgeous photos and gorgeous towel 🙂 This looks like a light and refreshing salad filled with lots of goodness.
Thank you so much!
Nice and healthy couscous avocado salad.. the photos are amazing so is your new dish towel … 😀
Thanks, Arpita!
I dont believe in juicing myself. This salad looks like a way better way to detox/cleanse. It looks delicious!
Thank you!
Ohhh what a great salad. Couscous is a great little pasta and I love love love eating it. Sometimes, a good dose of healthy food perks you right up!
Exactly! Thanks, Allison!
I cannot live on juice, so I’m with you — detoxing with this salad would be the way I’d go, too. This is so healthful and satisfying — I love all these fresh ingredients!
Thanks!
I love how much good stuff you loaded in this! So delicious! This is the perfect summertime salad!
It’s full of all my favorites! Thanks 🙂
I love your new towel! And this salad looks so light and refreshing! I haven’t tried cooking couscous in the microwave.
Thanks, I love it too! And you should try it, it’s very easy and perfect especially for smaller portions!
Couscous will always trump quinoa for me. Love the salad, love the tea towel like crazy!
Thanks, I love it too 🙂
Really enjoyed this post medha. Love the ‘microwave your couscous’ tip and love the combo of healthy ingredients you’ve used. I’m a little bit in love with chickpeas at the mo too!
P.s. Coming to steal that dish towel!
Thanks, Helen!
I need clean food intervention as well. Having this delicious salad is a great way to start it. Love it. So yummy.
Thanks so much 🙂
Looks like a perfect summer lunch…and I love anything that involves avocado 😉
Same!
This salad has some of my favorite ingredients in it! I love the avocado and kalamata olive combo! I think this salad would make anyone feel better! I also love your new dishtowel 🙂 I don’think I could have gone in without buying one either!
Thanks! And yes, that’s the issue when I go into any cookware store!!
gorgeous photography! the avocado is the perfect addition, they look so beautiful! I will have to try this recipe out! looks so tasty and healthy!
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Aw thanks so much!
I’d like that cute dishtowel and that bowl please! I’ve not been able to jump on this juicing bandwagon for the same reasons – I need something filling! And totally agree, good clean food can be very good for a cleanse – with lots of water!
Haha thanks! I love that dishtowel 🙂