Mediterranean Couscous Crunch: Vibrant Summer Salad Recipe

Couscous Summer Salad 🥗

Overview:

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Couscous Summer Salad recipe! Bursting with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and plump currants, this salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing lunch option, it’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s vegan, low-cholesterol, and healthy, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor every bite of this delightful salad!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

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   • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the currants, lemon juice, canola oil, salt, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
   • Shake the jar well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set aside.

2. Cook the Couscous:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring water and 1 tablespoon of canola oil to a boil.
   • Stir in the couscous, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
   • Cover the saucepan and let the couscous stand for about 6 minutes, allowing the water to be absorbed.
   • Once done, transfer the couscous to a large bowl and fluff it with a fork. Let it cool.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Steam the carrot and red bell pepper until they are brightly colored yet still crunchy, approximately 3 minutes.
   • Rinse the steamed vegetables under cold water to halt the cooking process.
   • Dice the carrot, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Add the diced vegetables and fresh parsley to the cooled couscous in the large bowl.
   • Give the dressing a final shake, then pour it over the couscous and vegetable mixture.

5. Mix Well and Chill:

   • Gently stir the ingredients until the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once chilled, serve the Couscous Summer Salad cold, either as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 520.6
• Fat Content: 22.4g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.7g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 318.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 72g
• Fiber Content: 6.2g
• Sugar Content: 16.7g
• Protein Content: 10g

Recipe Notes:

• This Couscous Summer Salad can be customized with additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
• For added protein, consider tossing in some chickpeas or grilled tofu.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Serve this salad alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete and satisfying meal.

Embrace the flavors of summer with this vibrant and nutritious Couscous Summer Salad. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with freshness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the medley of flavors and textures in every bite, and share the joy of good food with friends and family!