This roasted vegetable salad is seriously next-level! Each bowl delivers 26 g of protein and 21 g of fiber, and the wide variety of plants is ideal for boosting your antioxidant intake and nourishing your microbiome. What’s also great is that it’s pretty hands-off, with the oven doing most of the work. The blend of flavors and textures with the pearl couscous, perfectly roasted veggies in Moroccan spices, crunchy hazelnuts, and sweet raisins, all served on a fragrant mint yogurt sauce, is something you’ll want to enjoy again and again. While I’ve made this as a meal prep option, it’s definitely worthy of serving to guests! I served it as a side at a family gathering recently, and everyone asked for seconds.
I first shared this recipe over a year ago, but I have just given it a little update, and I can confidently say that it is one of my favorite meal prep recipes and one that you’ll really look forward to all week long (I know I do!).
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavorful and Healthy: Packed with nutrients and rich in flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Easy to store and tastes great for up to 4 days. There is no need to reheat it, and it can be eaten straight from the bowl!
- Versatile: Works well as a standalone meal or as a side dish for company.
- Convenient: Uses simple ingredients for a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Customizable: Easy to substitute ingredients based on availability or preference.
Ingredient Notes
- Ras el Hanout: A Moroccan spice blend that adds a unique and rich flavor to the dish. It can also be found as “Moroccan spice mix”.
- Pearl Couscous: Adds texture and substance to the salad. Substitute with regular wholemeal couscous or quinoa if desired.
- Chickpeas: These provide a protein boost and make the salad filling. You can use canned chickpeas for convenience; just make sure to rinse well.
- Vegetables: A mix of carrots, broccoli, and red bell pepper for a variety of nutrients and flavors. Feel free to add or substitute with other roasted vegetables.
- Yogurt Mint Sauce: A refreshing and tangy dressing that complements the roasted flavors. Use any dairy-free yogurt to keep it vegan.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your vegetables. Combine the chickpeas, carrots, and broccoli with ras el hanout and olive oil, and roast. Prepare the couscous with turmeric and a hint of olive oil for added flavor. Whisk together the ingredients for the yogurt mint sauce for a creamy, tangy finish. Combine all cooked components in a large salad bowl, adding the cucumber, hazelnuts, and raisins for extra crunch and sweetness. Divide the salad into portions, ready for meal prep enjoyment.
Variations and Tips
- Storage: It keeps fresh for up to 4 days. For optimal freshness, follow our suggested layering order and use a fitted airtight container.
- Protein: Add lentils or hemp seeds for an added protein boost.
- Reheating: Although it’s delicious to enjoy with the warm veggies when just prepared, once mixed with the yogurt sauce and topping, I recommend enjoying it cold.
- Nut Substitutes: Swap hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts based on what’s available. For a nut-free option use pumpkin seeds.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the pearl couscous for quinoa.
- For more exciting meal prep ideas, check out my High-Protein Tofu Poke Bowl or High-Protein Vegan Marry Me Pasta. If you’re looking for more delicious pearl couscous salad inspo, check out this Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini, Chickpeas, & Pearl Couscous from our super-talented friend Liz from Glow Diaries. Can confirm it’s a 10/10!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Hearty
- Nutritious
- Flavor-Packed
- Easy
- Customizable
Pearl Couscous and Roasted Veggie Salad (Meal Prep)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups (490 g) cooked chickpeas
- 2 tbsp (10 g) ras el hanout - divided
- 4 tsp (30 ml) olive oil - divided
- 3 medium carrots - peeled and chopped in a bias in approx 1 inch size
- 1 large broccoli - head chopped into florets
- 2 red bell pepper (capsicum) - halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup (170 g) whole wheat pearl couscous - dry
- ½ tsp (2 g) ground turmeric
- 1 dash freshly grounded black pepper
- 1 cucumber - seeds removed, and finely diced
- 2 tbsp (40 g) hazelnuts - roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp (60 g) raisins
- (1) pickled onions to taste
- sea salt flakes to taste
Yogurt Mint Sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) dairy-free yogurt - I used soy
- 1 tbsp (15 g) wholegrain mustard
- 1.5 tbsp (20 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove - peeled, and finely minced
- ½ cup (20 g) mint leaves - finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F, fan assist. Prepare 2 baking trays lined with baking paper.
- On the first tray, add the chickpeas, and using your hands, combine with half of the spice mix and half of the olive oil. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated. Bake on the top rack to 20 to 25 minutes until crispy. Once baked, allow to cool down.
- On the second tray, combine the carrots, broccoli, and the remaining olive oil and spice mix. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated. Place the red bell peppers face down. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool down.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the couscous. In a small pot over medium heat, combine the dry pearl couscous, turmeric, a pinch of black pepper. Add water and cook according to the packet's instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water, to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the yogurt mint sauce by combining the yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and mint leaves.
- Once the red bell peppers have cooled, peel off the bulk of the skin with your hand. The skin should come off easily. This is optional, but the skin can be a little bitter, and I prefer the soft texture of the peeled pepper. Then slice them into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted carrots, broccoli, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Then, it's time to pack up your meal! For optimal freshness, layer in the following order: start with the yogurt sauce at the bottom of the container, followed by the couscous, mixed vegetables, chickpeas, hazelnuts, raisins, and pickle onions. Enjoy 💚
Notes
Per Serving
FAQ
Absolutely, quinoa or regular wholemeal couscous are great alternatives.
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes, just make sure to use dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
Ras el hanout is also known as “Moroccan spice mix” and is widely available in the spice aisle. You can also make a simple version with a bit of turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Alternatively use another fragrant spice mix available to you. Shawarma, or baharat also work well.
This was very filling and especially enjoyed the roasted carrots! I would probably swap the broccoli out for courgette as a personal preference. Also didn’t have ras el hanout or mint leaves so used Cajun seasoning and chipotle paste (basically what I had in the storecupboard!). Cooked with quinoa but think I’ll use the giant couscous for a better texture next time. Thanks for a lovely recipe!
Hey Deborah, so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Quinoa and chipotle sound really good 💕
Flavorful and filling. Loved by the meat and potatoes guy!
Wow that’s a big approval! Thanks for the feedback Cathy 💚
It’s flavourful and textured.
I’m glad you like it 💕