Israeli Couscous Salad Recipe
Israeli Couscous Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the hearty texture of couscous with the sweet and tangy notes of dried fruits, citrus, and a delightful blend of spices. This high-protein, vegetarian side dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party spreads. The use of fresh orange juice, lemon zest, and honey in the dressing gives it a refreshing and light sweetness, while the roasted pistachios add a delightful crunch. Serve it with a warm soup, such as Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup or Lemongrass Tomato Corn Soup, for a wholesome and balanced meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Israeli Couscous | 1-1/2 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum), diced | 1 |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum), diced | 1 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Dried Figs, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Apricots | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Cranberries | 1/2 cup |
| Roasted Pistachios | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 3 sprigs |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 1/4 cup |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 12mg |
| Potassium | 400mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 50% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 3
Instructions
-
Cook the Couscous
Begin by placing a medium saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the turmeric powder and allow the water to continue boiling. -
-
Roast the Couscous
While the water is heating, take a dry pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the Israeli couscous and dry roast it, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the couscous. -
Cook the Couscous
Once the couscous is roasted, carefully add it to the boiling water. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the couscous absorbs all the water and becomes tender. Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the couscous sit for an additional 10 minutes to fully steam. -
Fluff the Couscous
After the resting time, use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps and ensuring that the texture is light and fluffy. -
Prepare the Salad Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cumin powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, fresh orange juice, minced ginger, honey, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon zest. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. -
Combine the Salad
Transfer the fluffed couscous into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, finely chopped onion, sliced dried figs, apricots, cranberries, roasted pistachios, and finely chopped coriander leaves. Toss everything together gently to mix. -
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are coated evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. -
Serve
Once everything is mixed and the flavors have had a chance to meld together, the Israeli Couscous Salad is ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with warm soups or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying dish.
Tips for the Perfect Israeli Couscous Salad:
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as they marinate.
- Add More Protein: To make this salad even more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese for extra protein.
- Vary the Nuts: While pistachios add a delicious crunch, you can substitute with almonds, walnuts, or cashews if you prefer.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing depending on how sweet you like your salad. You can also try adding a touch of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Israeli Couscous Salad is an excellent dish for a healthy, colorful, and protein-packed side. Whether served at a casual family dinner, a festive gathering, or a meal prep for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite. The combination of spices, dried fruits, and citrusy dressing makes it a refreshing yet filling option for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
