Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for summer gatherings. With its rich combination of nutty couscous, tangy blue cheese, sweet-tart craisins, and crunchy pecans, this salad not only delights the palate but also offers a visual feast. The salad is best when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors of the dressing to meld beautifully with the couscous, enhancing its overall taste. Whether served warm or chilled, this dish is versatile, making it an ideal side for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Feel free to mix and match ingredients; you can swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese, and dried currants or cherries can easily replace craisins. Embrace your creativity with this adaptable recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain couscous
10 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
craisins (dried cranberries)
1 cup (None)
blue cheese, crumbled
1 cup (None)
scallion
1/2 cup (Sliced)
pecans, roughly chopped
3/4 cup (Roughly chop)
good olive oil
1/3 cup (None)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (Zest of one lemon)
lemon
1 (Juiced)
kosher salt
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the couscous with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
2
In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk until emulsified and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, craisins, crumbled blue cheese, sliced scallions, and roughly chopped pecans. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until the couscous mixture is thoroughly coated.
5
Season with kosher salt to taste, adding more pinches as needed to elevate the flavors.
6
Serve the salad warm or allow it to chill at room temperature before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the flavors will continue to deepen for up to two days.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring nutty couscous, tangy blue cheese, sweet-tart craisins, and crunchy pecans, perfect for summer gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the salad base?
The base consists of 10 ounces of plain couscous, 1 cup of craisins, 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 cup of sliced scallions, and 3/4 cup of chopped pecans.
What is in the dressing?
The dressing is a mixture of 1/3 cup good olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and the juice of one lemon.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 7.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
Yes, you can easily swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese.
What can I use if I don't have craisins?
Dried currants or dried cherries can be used as a replacement for craisins.
How should I prepare the couscous?
Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions, then fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
It can be served either warm or chilled, making it highly versatile.
Is it better to make this salad in advance?
Yes, it is best when prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for red wine vinegar.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
What kind of nuts are used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of roughly chopped pecans.
How much blue cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What kind of salt should I use?
Kosher salt is recommended to season the salad to taste.
Are there any specific occasions for this dish?
It is ideal for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl until emulsified.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
How many scallions do I need?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sliced scallions.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
The specific sugar content is not listed, but sweetness comes from the craisins.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include couscous salad, blue cheese, summer salad, mediterranean, quick meal, side dish, make ahead, and vegetarian.
What should I do after adding the dressing?
Toss the mixture until the couscous is thoroughly coated and then season with salt.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies the juice of one lemon and its zest for the best flavor.
Is the couscous plain or flavored?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of plain couscous.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, the flavors continue to deepen if stored in the fridge for up to two days.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a side dish.