PREP 10mins COOK 10mins TOTAL 20mins Makes approximately 8 (1 cup)
servings
We love this light couscous salad — it doubles as a side,
can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or shrimp! With
lots of texture from crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, crunchy nuts, and raisins,
this is certainly one of our favorites. You can even make it ahead of time.
YOU WILL NEED
·
1 1/2 cups dried Israeli couscous, also called
pearl couscous
·
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
·
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
·
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
·
1/2 teaspoon honey
·
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
·
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice,
depending on taste
·
1 medium English cucumber, diced
·
1 large tomato, diced
·
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs; use any
combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
·
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
·
1/4 cup raisins, we love golden raisins
DIRECTIONS
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add
couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain.
While the couscous cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil,
mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon
pepper. Add the drained couscous to the dressing and mix well.
Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, walnuts and raisins.
Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or
cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
ADAM AND JOANNE'S TIPS
·
If you cannot find Israeli Couscous, you may
substitute with a small pasta shape such as orzo or use regular couscous.
·
To toast walnuts, add to a dry pan over medium
heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the nuts turn golden brown and become
fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes.
·
Make-Ahead: This salad is delicious when eaten
straight away, but you can also make the salad, cover it and refrigerate for up
to 4 hours. This way all the flavors marry and mingle, making for an even more
delicious salad. If you are planning to make a day or two ahead of time, keep
the tomatoes and walnuts separate until you’re ready to serve. This way they
will remain crisp.
NUTRITION PER SERVING: Serving Size 1 cup / Calories 219 /
Protein 5 g / Carbohydrate 29 g / Dietary Fiber 2 g / Total Sugars 4 g / Total
Fat 9 g / Saturated Fat 1 g / Cholesterol 0 mg / Sodium 160 mg
