Citrus Infusion Couscous Salad with Cranberries
This delightful Citrus Infusion Couscous Salad brings the vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry together in a refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion. Inspired by the popular salad from Whole Foods Market, this homemade version is not only budget-friendly but also packed with zestful ingredients like ginger and toasted almonds. With its combination of sweet, tart, and nutty elements, this dish serves beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a nutritious midweek meal, this couscous salad will lift your spirits and tantalize your taste buds!
4
Servings
135
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried couscous
1 cup (uncooked)
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
water
1 cup (filtered)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (divided)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped if large)
canned mandarin oranges
1 cup (drained and cut into halves)
toasted slivered almonds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, add the dried couscous to the pot, stirring to combine. Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid and reconstitute.
3
While the couscous is resting, prepare the fruit mixture by combining the chopped dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, toasted almond slivers, and finely chopped parsley in a large bowl. Toss to ensure even distribution.
4
After the couscous has reconstituted, fluff it with a fork and gently fold the fruit mixture into the couscous, ensuring everything is well combined.
5
Finish by drizzling the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20.25g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
5.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Infusion Couscous Salad with Cranberries?
It is a vibrant side dish combining orange and cranberry flavors with couscous, ginger, and toasted almonds, inspired by a popular Whole Foods Market salad.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 135 calories.
Is this couscous salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
How much protein is in each serving?
The salad is low in protein, containing 2g per serving.
What liquid is used to cook the couscous?
The couscous is reconstituted using a mixture of orange juice, water, olive oil, and grated ginger.
How long should the couscous sit to absorb the liquid?
The couscous should sit covered for 10-15 minutes after being removed from the heat.
What fruits are included in the salad?
The recipe includes chopped dried sweetened cranberries and canned mandarin oranges.
How are the almonds prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of toasted slivered almonds.
What type of ginger is required?
You should use 2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 6g of fat per serving.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 20.25g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar does the salad contain?
There are 5.75g of sugar per serving.
What kind of parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley.
How should I prepare the mandarin oranges?
The canned mandarin oranges should be drained and cut into halves.
How is the olive oil distributed in the recipe?
Two teaspoons are used during the boiling process, and the remaining teaspoon is drizzled over the finished salad.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What is the fiber content per serving?
The salad provides 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Should I serve this salad cold or hot?
The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
What should I do with the couscous once it has reconstituted?
You should fluff it with a fork before folding in the fruit mixture.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of salt, adjusted to taste.
What type of water is suggested?
Filtered water is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use large dried cranberries?
Yes, but they should be chopped if they are large.
What is a good pairing for this salad?
It serves beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include couscous, salad, orange, cranberry, healthy, vegetarian, whole foods, and easy recipe.
Is the couscous cooked on the stove the whole time?
No, the liquid is brought to a boil, then the couscous is added and the pot is removed from the heat to sit.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
The recipe data indicates that cholesterol information is not applicable or null, typical for plant-based ingredients.
How do I garnish the final dish?
You can garnish the salad with extra parsley if desired.