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Flavorful Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad with Creamy Harissa

Irresistibly Flavorful Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad with Creamy Harissa

This Flavorful Chickpea and Brown Rice Salad with Creamy Harissa combines earthy brown rice and protein-rich chickpeas for a delightful, nutritious dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Cooked Brown Rice Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 can Canned Chickpeas Use black beans as an alternative.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Diced Bell Peppers (Red or Yellow) Green bell peppers can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1 cup Diced Cucumber Zucchini can be swapped for a change in texture.
  • 1 cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes Any small tomato variety can be used.
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Cilantro can be substituted for a different herbaceous note.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Harissa Paste Adjust the amount to taste or use sriracha for a different spice level.
  • ½ cup Plain Greek Yogurt Use vegan yogurt or tahini for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 medium Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Lime juice can serve as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Colander
  • bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water. Boil it with 2 cups of water in a pot. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender and fluffy.
  2. Open a can of chickpeas and rinse them under cold water in a colander. Drain well to remove excess liquid for optimal texture.
  3. Dice 1 cup of bell peppers and 1 diced cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve a cup of cherry tomatoes.
  4. In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of harissa paste, ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, and juice from 1 lemon until smooth and creamy.
  5. Once the rice cools slightly, transfer it to a large bowl. Gently fold in the drained chickpeas and chopped vegetables.
  6. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to keep the vegetables intact.
  7. Enjoy your flavorful salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Optional: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of richness. Cool the rice completely to prevent a mushy salad. Roast chickpeas for added flavor and crunch, and keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.

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