Watermelon Feta Couscous Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Couscous with Watermelon, Feta, and Cherry Tomatoes
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (approx.):

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Couscous:

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   • Begin by heating a pot of water just below boiling point for the couscous. Place the couscous in a large bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil.
   • Pour the hot water over the couscous, covering it completely, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to steam and absorb the water.

2. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • While the couscous is resting, prepare the fresh ingredients.
   • Peel the watermelon and cut 150g of the flesh into thin slices, then cut the slices into small ½ cm cubes.
   • Cut the feta cheese into cubes of similar size to the watermelon.
   • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on your preference.

3. Fluff the Couscous:

   • After 5 minutes, check the couscous. It should be tender and fully hydrated. Drizzle with another little bit of olive oil, and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

4. Mix the Salad:

   • In a separate large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, watermelon cubes, and feta cheese.
   • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste. Gently toss everything to ensure it’s evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • To serve, take a round mold (coppapasta) and place it in the center of each plate. Fill the mold with the fluffy couscous, pressing it down slightly to form a neat shape.
   • Carefully remove the mold, leaving the couscous shaped on the plate.
   • Spoon the tomato, feta, and watermelon salad on top of the couscous mound, arranging it artfully.

6. Garnish:

   • For the finishing touch, take the remaining watermelon and slice it into thin shards. Scatter these watermelon shavings over the top for a refreshing and colorful garnish.

7. Serve:

   • Your vibrant couscous with watermelon, feta, and cherry tomatoes is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing summer meal.

Tips & Variations:

• Add some herbs: Fresh basil or mint would complement the watermelon and feta nicely.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
• Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds would add a nice crunch to this dish.
• Make it a main course: If you’d like to make this dish a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or a few chickpeas for protein.

This refreshing couscous salad is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s ideal for warm weather, potlucks, or as a light yet satisfying meal! Enjoy the seasonal produce and the delightful contrast between the watermelon’s sweetness and the feta’s creamy saltiness.