Come enjoy the vibrant flavors of this sweet potato and kale couscous salad, a nutritious dish that blends earthy sweetness with hearty greens.

Learn how easy it is to make this irresistible salad that combines filling chickpeas, sautéed sweet potatoes, crunchy nuts, and chewy Israeli (aka pearl) couscous, all drizzled with a flavorful homemade dressing.

From the nutrient dense kale to the vitamin rich sweet potatoes and all the goodness in between, this salad not only tastes wonderful, but also packs a powerful nutritional punch you do not want to miss out on.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, this autumnal couscous salad is a perfect way to celebrate this season with vibrant ingredients that highlight the harvest.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that captures the essence of fall.

What you’ll love about this sweet potato and kale couscous salad recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a healthy, filling, and delicious salad that you’ll want to eat again and again, this sweet potato and kale couscous salad is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Here’s why:

Easy to make: You’ll love how easy this salad is to make. It’s so easy, you’ll have it made in no time at all!
Full of flavor: Drizzled with a delicious homemade maple dijon dressing, this salad is so flavorful.
Filling: The Israeli couscous and garbanzo beans make this salad so satisfyingly filling, this salad can be a meal all on it’s own.
Proven favorite: Every time I make this salad, it gets eaten up so quickly. Everyone loves it!
Great for meal prep: The hearty ingredients hold up for several days without getting meh, making this recipe perfect for meal prep.

Couscous salad ingredients and some notes

The list below tells you what you’ll need for this sweet potato and kale couscous salad:

Israeli or pearl couscous – Unlike traditional couscous, this type is made up of small, chewy pasta-like balls (see below for more information). If you can’t find Israeli couscous, you can use orzo or quinoa instead. Each provides a slightly different texture, but all work well for salads.
Sweet potato – Sweet potatoes are a super nutritious vegetable and is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They add a natural sweetness to the salad, especially after they are sautéed and get a little caramelization on them.
Kale – A hearty green that holds up well overtime. It adds a vibrant green color and a bunch of nutritional benefits.
Garbanzo beans – Also known as chickpeas. They are protein-rich legumes that are perfect for salads, soups, and healthy snacks.
Pepitas – A type of pumpkin seed. Regular pumpkin seeds have a white outer shell, while pepitas are green and ready to eat without de-shelling. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. They add great crunch to the salad.
Crumbled bacon – A little bit of crumbled bacon adds so much to this salad in terms of savoriness and flavor. You can cook up a fews trips of bacon to crumble yourself, or use some from a bag for extra convenience (that’s what I do!).

For the maple dijon dressing you’ll need:

Avocado oil – Love this oil for it’s neutral flavor profile, letting the other ingredients shine.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the salad dressing. It’s rich in probiotics and can enhance digestion.
Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify everything and adds flavor.
Maple syrup – Lends sweetness and maple flavor for a cozy feel.

What is Israeli couscous?

Israeli couscous (also known as ptitim), is a type of small, round pasta made from wheat flour.

Despite being called couscous, it different from couscous you might be used to. Israeli couscous is larger than traditional couscous. Instead of looking like tiny little grains, it is made up of pearl-like shaped balls that are slightly chewy in texture.

Because of its round, pearl-sized appearance, it is sometimes referred to as pearl couscous. Both terms are interchangeable, with “Israeli couscous” emphasizing its origin and “pearl couscous” highlighting its size and texture.

Israeli couscous was developed in Israel in the 1950s as an affordable substitute for rice. Israeli couscous is often toasted while it’s being made, so it has a slightly nutty flavor.

How to make this couscous salad

Cook the couscous. In a pot with a lid add the couscous and water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and cover with a lid. Let the couscous cook for 10 minutes. Once it’s absorbed all the liquid, turn off the heat and let sit, still covered, for 3 minutes. Then uncover, and fluff with a fork.
Make the dressing. Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until well combined.
Prep the sweet potato. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in some oil, then add the cubed sweet potato, stirring to coat in the oil. Get the potatoes into a single layer, then add some water, and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the sweet potatoes cook for 5 – 7 minutes. Then uncover and cook for 5 minutes more, very gently stirring occasionally to help with even browning.
Prep kale. Get a big salad bowl and add the kale. Sprinkle on a half teaspoon of salt, then massage the salt into the kale for about a minute to soften it.
Assemble. To the bowl, add the cooled couscous, sweet potato, and drained garbanzo beans and mix together. Sprinkle on the pepitas and bacon crumbles. Lastly, drizzle on the dressing and toss to coat.
Eat up and enjoy. Enjoy as a side dish or as a hearty lunch throughout the week.

Storing and making ahead

This salad is perfect for making at the beginning of the week then enjoying for days to come. Simply assemble the whole thing together, then portion out into containers for easy packing.

Final thoughts

This sweet potato and kale couscous salad is not only a tasty dish but also packed with nutrients. Its blend of flavors and textures — sweet potatoes, kale, and chewy pearl couscous—creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

This salad is simple to make and can easily be adapted with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy, vibrant meal that supports your wellness journey.

Try making this salad today and enjoy the delicious benefits for yourself!