Festive Cranberry Couscous Medley
Bring joy to your gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful Festive Cranberry Couscous Medley. Inspired by a cherished colleague's potluck dish, this salad combines the sweetness of dried cranberries with the warmth of spices, all enveloped in fluffy couscous. The dish is elevated with the nutty crunch of toasted almonds and the fresh aroma of mint, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Perfect for potlucks, holiday festivities, or as a refreshing side for any meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's as easy to prepare as it is to love. With its colorful presentation and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups (use as a base for cooking couscous)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (combine with broth)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (combine with broth)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (combine with broth)
uncooked couscous
1 cup (stir into the broth)
vegetable oil
1/4-1/3 cup (whisk with vinegar)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (whisk with oil)
sliced almonds
1/3-1/2 cup (toast and add to salad)
chopped green onion
1/3 cup (add to salad)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chop and add to salad)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the uncooked couscous. Cover the pot and let it stand for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid.
3
After the couscous has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly in the uncovered pot.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and rice vinegar to create a dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the cooled couscous and add the toasted sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and fresh mint. Toss everything together until well combined.
6
For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the ingredients meld together. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Cranberry Couscous Medley?
It is a vibrant salad combining the sweetness of dried cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and cumin, fluffy couscous, crunchy toasted almonds, and fresh mint.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this couscous dish?
The main ingredients include chicken or vegetable broth, dried cranberries, cinnamon, cumin, couscous, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, toasted almonds, green onions, and fresh mint.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prepare the couscous for this salad?
Bring the broth, cranberries, and spices to a boil, then stir in the couscous, remove from heat, and let it stand covered for 5 to 7 minutes.
What spices give this medley its warm flavor?
The warmth in this dish comes from a combination of ground cinnamon and ground cumin.
How do I make the dressing for the Festive Cranberry Couscous Medley?
The dressing is made by whisking together vegetable oil and rice vinegar in a separate bowl.
When should I add the almonds and mint?
Add the toasted sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and fresh mint after the couscous has cooled slightly and the dressing has been applied.
Can this salad be served cold?
Yes, the salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it highly versatile.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the ingredients meld together.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
Rice vinegar is used to provide a mild and slightly sweet acidity to the dressing.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 10 distinct ingredients.
Is the couscous cooked on the stove the whole time?
No, the couscous is only added to boiling liquid before being removed from the heat to absorb the moisture while covered.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
The dish offers a harmony of textures, featuring fluffy couscous, soft dried cranberries, and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds.
Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, chicken broth is a suggested option for the cooking liquid.
How much dried cranberries are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
What is the recommended amount of couscous?
You should use 1 cup of uncooked couscous.
How much broth is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
Is this recipe good for potlucks?
Yes, it was inspired by a potluck dish and is described as a crowd-pleaser that is easy to prepare.
What herb is used for freshness?
Fresh mint is chopped and added to the salad for its refreshing aroma and flavor.
How do I finish the couscous after it sits?
Once it has finished cooking and absorbing the liquid, you should fluff it with a fork.
What type of onion is included?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped green onions.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much oil is needed for the dressing?
The recipe suggests using between 1/4 and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
Should the almonds be prepared in a specific way?
The sliced almonds should be toasted before being added to the salad for maximum flavor and crunch.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, containing ingredients like almonds and fresh mint.
What is the prep for the mint?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh mint that should be chopped before being tossed into the salad.
Is the couscous cooked with the lid on or off?
The couscous should stand in the saucepan with the lid on to properly absorb the liquid.
Can this recipe be a side dish?
Yes, it is perfect as a refreshing side for any meal or for holiday festivities.