Lukewarm Couscous Salad with Chickpeas for Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a light and warm meal often feels wonderfully comforting. This lukewarm couscous salad provides valuable plant-based energy through the chickpeas without being heavy on the stomach. The mild yogurt dressing made from pasteurized milk adds a pleasant freshness and is perfectly safe for you to enjoy.

Ingredients

For two to three portions, you need:

• 150 g couscous
• 150 ml boiling vegetable broth
• 1 can chickpeas (drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small zucchini
• 100 g cherry tomatoes
• 150 g plain yogurt (made from pasteurized milk)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A pinch of salt and mild paprika

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Rinse the chickpeas, drain them well, and mix them with a little olive oil and paprika.
3. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes.
4. Place the couscous in a bowl and pour the hot vegetable broth over it.
5. Cover the couscous, let it sit for five minutes, and then fluff it with a fork.
6. Dice the zucchini into small pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
7. Fold the vegetables into the warm couscous and add the roasted chickpeas.
8. Whisk the plain yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt to create a smooth dressing, then pour it over the salad.

Good to know

This salad is wonderful for meal prep and tastes delicious the next day. You can easily adapt the vegetables based on the season and your personal preferences. The dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for about two days.

If it feels difficult right now

If you are experiencing heartburn or a sensitive stomach, you can simply leave out the tomatoes and lemon juice. The couscous also tastes great plain with just a little mild yogurt and a drizzle of olive oil. Feel free to eat several small portions throughout the day if large meals feel uncomfortable.

Note

If you have questions about your diet or what foods work best for you during pregnancy, please reach out to your OB-GYN or midwife.