A couscous and greens salad is a light and nutritious dish that’s versatile and easy to prepare. It’s perfect as a side or a main dish, packed with flavor and texture. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, etc.)
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, mint, or cilantro), chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds) for crunch
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Couscous:
- In a saucepan, bring the broth (or water) to a boil. Add the couscous, stir, and remove from heat. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the liquid. Fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh herbs.
4. Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add the feta cheese and toasted nuts or seeds on top.
5. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately or let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as roasted zucchini, carrots, or avocado.
- Storage: This salad can be stored in the fridge for a day or two, but the greens may wilt over time, so you might want to keep them separate until serving.
Enjoy your couscous and greens salad! Would you like more ideas for variations or pairings?
