Refreshing Gazpacho Couscous Salad: A Perfect Lunch Delight
If youโre looking for a light yet satisfying dish that can serve as a delightful main course or an appetizing side, this Gazpacho Couscous Salad is your answer. My husband and I recently tried this recipe for lunch, and we were both impressed by its deliciousness and heartiness. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning. Below is a detailed guide to preparing this colorful and nutritious salad that serves four as a main dish or eight as a side.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 (4 as a main dish, 8 as a side dish)
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Aggregate Rating: 4 (from 1 review)
- Calories per Serving: 166.1
Ingredients
The following table lists the ingredients required for this recipe, along with their respective quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Couscous | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Cucumber | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Fresh Parsley | ยผ cup (chopped) |
| Fresh Mint | ยพ cup (chopped) |
| Salsa | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
Hereโs the nutritional breakdown for each serving, allowing you to enjoy this salad while keeping track of your dietary goals:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 166.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 297.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 5.4 g |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your Gazpacho Couscous Salad:
-
Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the salt, olive oil, and 2 cups of water. Place the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Cook the Couscous: Once the water is boiling, stir in the couscous. Mix well to ensure that all the couscous is submerged in the liquid.
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Let It Steam: Cover the saucepan with a lid and remove it from the heat. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to let the couscous absorb the water and become fluffy.
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Mix the Fresh Ingredients: While the couscous is steaming, chop the tomatoes and cucumber, and place them in a small bowl. Add the fresh parsley, fresh mint, salsa, and fresh lemon juice to the bowl. Toss the mixture until well combined.
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Fluff the Couscous: After the 5 minutes have passed, remove the lid from the saucepan. Using a fork, fluff the couscous gently to separate the grains.
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Combine the Salad: Transfer the fluffed couscous to a large mixing bowl. Add the tomato and cucumber mixture to the couscous, tossing gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
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Season to Taste: Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more salt, pepper, or any additional herbs you fancy.
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Serve or Chill: This salad can be served immediately or can be chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing dish later on.
Conclusion
This Gazpacho Couscous Salad is not only simple to make but also bursts with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a side dish for your summer barbecues. The combination of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs not only adds vibrant colors but also provides a satisfying crunch that complements the tender couscous beautifully. Enjoy this salad on its own or as a side to your favorite grilled meats, and feel free to get creative by adding your own twists to this versatile recipe.
Whether you enjoy it fresh or chilled, this dish is bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Happy cooking!
