Orange Couscous Salad

I love this salad and often take it to potlucks. Sometimes I add a chopped cucumber; sometimes I use black beans instead of chickpeas; and I almost always add a peeled and chopped fresh orange as well. Cooking time is chilling time.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups  whole wheat couscous
• 3⁄4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1  cup  drained canned mandarin oranges
• 1⁄2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup raisins
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  tablespoon  grated  orange peel

Directions

1. Bring water to boil in a 1-qt saucepan over high heat.
2. Add couscous, turmeric, and pepper.
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
5. Stir in the chickpeas, oranges, onions, and raisins.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, and orange peel.
7. Pour over the salad and toss to mix well.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.