Greek Couscous Salad
Description
This delightful Greek Couscous Salad, often made with bulgur wheat instead of couscous, has become a beloved dish in many households. Its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients create a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. While the prep time is around 30 minutes, it’s important to allow the salad to chill in the fridge to enhance its flavors.
Recipe Category
Vegetable
Keywords
Greek, European, Low Cholesterol, Less than 30 Minutes
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 | sun-dried tomatoes |
| hot water | |
| 2 | couscous |
| 1 | cucumber |
| 4-5 | radishes |
| 3-4 | fresh parsley leaves |
| 1 | fresh basil leaves |
| 2 | dried basil |
| 2 | feta cheese |
| 1/4 | pine nuts |
| 1 | fresh lemon juice |
| 2 | red wine vinegar |
| 1/2 | fresh oregano |
| 1/2 | dried oregano |
| 4 | salt |
| fresh ground black pepper | |
| extra virgin olive oil |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 438.4 |
| Total Fat | 16.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 10.7 mg |
| Sodium | 461.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 61.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 12.2 g |
Instructions
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Soak Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Begin by placing the sun-dried tomatoes in a large bowl, covering them with hot water. Allow them to soak for about 10-15 minutes or until they become softened.
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Chop Tomatoes: Once softened, drain the tomatoes well and coarsely chop them to incorporate into the salad.
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Combine Main Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the couscous, diced cucumber, sliced radishes, chopped parsley, basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and pine nuts. Toss lightly to combine these fresh ingredients.
-
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until all ingredients are well combined.
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Develop Flavor: Allow the dressing to sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
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Emulsify Dressing: Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while whisking briskly to emulsify the dressing until it is smooth and creamy.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated in the delicious dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together.
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. This dish has a unique way of absorbing flavors, so you might find you need to add more lemon juice, vinegar, salt, or pepper than you initially thought.
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Variation: If you wish to switch things up, consider using coarse bulgur wheat instead of couscous. To prepare bulgur, rinse 1 cup in a strainer under running water, then place it in a medium bowl, cover with very hot tap water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and mix thoroughly. Set it aside for about 30 minutes to soften before draining and using it in the salad.
This Greek Couscous Salad is a perfect addition to any meal, bringing a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors that your family and guests will surely enjoy. Serve it as a side or a light main dish, and watch it become a favorite at your gatherings!
