INGREDIENTSSalad2 packages (4.7 ounces EACH) Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous (I use one made by Near East)1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (also called Garbanzo beans), drained5 ounces Genoa salami, coarsely chopped5 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (I use Bocconcini), chopped into bite-sized pieces1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped5 ounces black olives, sliced or halved2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced or halved depending on the size3/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonadeDressing1/3 cup olive oil1/3 cup red wine vinegar1 tablespoon Dijon mustard1 teaspoon honey1 teaspoon minced garlic1/2 teaspoon EACH: dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optionalFine Sea Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper
INSTRUCTIONSPrepare the couscous mix according to package instructions making sure to add in the seasoning mix. If you don’t use couscous from a package, you’ll want to add a few teaspoons of your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, etc.) to taste.While the couscous is cooking, prep the rest of the salad: drain the chickpeas (roast if desired; see last paragraph in blogpost), coarsely chop the salami, cut the mozzarella into small bite-sized pieces, slice the pepper into strips and then cut those strips in half or thirds, slice or halve the olives, and slice or halve the cherry tomatoes. Chiffonade the basil (stack basil leaves, roll them tightly, and then slice the leaves perpendicular to the roll.)Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Add salt and pepper to taste (I like to add about 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, but add to personal preference).TO SERVE AS A SALAD: Add the prepared couscous to a large bowl and allow to cool. Add in all of the veggies, salami, basil, and chickpeas. Add some freshly squeezed lemon, salt and pepper to taste, and the dressing. Only dress what you will enjoy as this salad doesn’t sit well for a long time with the dressing on it.TO MEAL PREP: Divide the dressing evenly into 6 small containers. Divide the couscous evenly among 6 meal prep containers. Next add in equal parts of all of the chopped veggies, salami, basil, and chickpeas. Add a lemon wedge and a pinch of some salt and pepper on top of each container. To enjoy, add the dressing, squeeze the lemon over everything, stir together, and eat!