Festive Couscous Salad with Sweet Cranberries and Crunchy Garbanzo Beans
This vibrant and nutritious Festive Couscous Salad combines the nutty flavors of couscous and almonds with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the heartiness of garbanzo beans. Tossed in a zesty dressing of white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or an accompaniment to your favorite protein. Ideal for sharing at gatherings, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a colorful presentation that will impress your guests. Enjoy it warm, or let it chill in the fridge for an even more refreshing dish!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
couscous
3/4 cup (uncooked)
chicken stock
1 cup (liquid)
garbanzo beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
green onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
almonds
1/2 cup (whole or slivered)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the couscous, stir quickly, then cover the pot and immediately remove it from heat. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3
After 15 minutes, uncover the pot and fluff the couscous with a fork. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained garbanzo beans, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped green onions.
5
Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
7
Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and gently toss until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8
Just before serving, fold in the almonds for added crunch.
9
This salad can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Couscous Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad combining couscous, almonds, dried cranberries, and garbanzo beans in a zesty white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the protein content of the Festive Couscous Salad?
This salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian, but it uses chicken stock; to make it strictly vegetarian, you should substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What amount of carbohydrates does this salad contain?
It contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Festive Couscous Salad?
This recipe contains 3.75 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in this dish?
There are 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
How do I prepare the garbanzo beans?
The garbanzo beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
What kind of couscous should I use?
You should use 3/4 cup of uncooked couscous.
How do I cook the couscous?
Bring chicken stock to a boil, stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat to sit for 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
How long does the couscous need to sit?
The couscous needs to sit covered for 15 minutes to properly absorb the liquid.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
How much white wine vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
When should I add the almonds?
Fold in the almonds just before serving to ensure they maintain their crunchy texture.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, the salad can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy side dish, perfect for entertaining.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 12 ingredients in total.
What provides the sweetness in the salad?
The sweetness comes from 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
Can I use slivered almonds?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of either whole or slivered almonds.
What is the liquid base for cooking the couscous?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chicken stock as the cooking liquid.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used in the dressing.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a holiday recipe and noted for its festive presentation.
How long should I let the couscous cool?
After fluffing the couscous, let it cool for about 10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for the dressing.
How do I ensure the dressing is well mixed?
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, oil, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl until emulsified before pouring over the salad.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to taste.
Does this salad store well?
Yes, it can be chilled in the fridge, which often makes it even more refreshing.