Israeli Couscous Salad Recipe
Couscous, a delightful collection of tiny granules crafted from steamed and dried durum wheat, serves as the foundation for this vibrant and nutritious dish. The Israeli Couscous Salad Recipe is a wholesome and colorful combination of couscous, nuts, and vegetables, creating a complete one-dish meal. This salad isn’t just a feast for the palate; its rich textures and flavors make it an ideal addition to any party menu or a refreshing side dish for everyday meals.
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Continental |
|---|---|
| Course | Side Dish |
| Diet | High-Protein Vegetarian |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 35 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Couscous (Israeli) | 1 ½ cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Red Bell Pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Dried Figs (sliced) | ½ cup |
| Apricots (dried, sliced) | ½ cup |
| Cranberries | ½ cup |
| Pistachios (roasted, chopped) | 1 cup |
| Coriander Leaves (chopped) | 3 sprigs |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 1 teaspoon |
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | ¼ cup |
| Orange juice (freshly squeezed) | ¼ cup |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | ¼ cup |
| Lemon zest | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the turmeric powder and let it continue boiling.
- Meanwhile, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Dry roast the Israeli couscous until golden brown, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once roasted, add the couscous to the saucepan with boiling water. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the couscous is tender.
- Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and allow the couscous to rest for 10 minutes.
- After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the couscous, breaking up any lumps.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Cumin powder
- Cardamom powder
- Cinnamon powder
- Lemon juice
- Fresh orange juice
- Minced ginger
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Lemon zest
- Whisk the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful and aromatic dressing.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Transfer the cooked couscous to a large salad mixing bowl.
- Add the prepared vegetables, dried fruits, and nuts, including:
- Red and yellow bell peppers
- Onion
- Dried figs
- Dried apricots
- Cranberries
- Roasted pistachios
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Orange zest
- Toss the couscous and ingredients until evenly combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again, ensuring every grain and ingredient is coated with the zesty mixture.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently for the final touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Israeli Couscous Salad Recipe as a light side dish with a warm soup like Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup or Lemongrass Tomato Corn Soup. Its vibrant flavors and textures also make it a showstopper at parties or potlucks. Whether you enjoy it as a meal on its own or paired with other dishes, this salad guarantees a burst of freshness and nutrition in every bite.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
This Israeli Couscous Salad not only satisfies your hunger but also elevates your dining experience with its delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to!
