Mediterranean Chickpea & Couscous Power Jars

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Whole Wheat Couscous
• 0.75 cup Hot Water
• 1 can Canned Chickpeas
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 0.5 English Cucumber
• 0.25 Red Onion
• 2 tbsp Kalamata Olives
• 2 tbsp Crumbled Feta Cheese
• 1 cup Fresh Spinach or Mixed Greens
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Tahini
• 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.125 tsp Black Pepper
• 0.125 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the couscous: In a small heatproof bowl, combine the dry whole wheat couscous with 0.75 cup of hot water (heated in an electric kettle or microwave). Cover tightly and let sit for 5 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and couscous is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the English cucumber, finely dice the red onion (or slice green onions), and slice the Kalamata olives.
4. Assemble the jars (for 2 servings): Divide the dressing equally into the bottom of two pint-sized (about 16 oz) jars.
5. Layer the ingredients: On top of the dressing, add half of the rinsed and drained chickpeas to each jar, followed by half of the diced cucumber, half of the cherry tomatoes, and half of the diced red onion/sliced green onions. This creates a barrier to keep the greens fresh.
6. Continue layering: Next, add half of the cooked couscous to each jar. Then, add half of the sliced Kalamata olives and half of the crumbled feta cheese (if using).
7. Finish with greens: Top each jar with a generous layer of fresh spinach or mixed greens. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
8. Store and serve: Refrigerate the jars for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, vigorously shake the jar to distribute the dressing and mix all ingredients. Enjoy directly from the jar or pour into a bowl.

Nutrition (per serving)