Refreshing Tuna and Couscous Medley
This Refreshing Tuna and Couscous Medley is a vibrant and nutritious salad perfect for lunch or a light snack. Bursting with fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, and protein-packed tuna, this dish combines wholesome ingredients with a zesty dressing. Easy to prepare, it makes for a delightful meal that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a refreshing flavor. Ideal for meal prep, this salad is satisfying and packed with flavors that blend beautifully over time. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself for a healthy treat!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked couscous
1/2 cup (dry)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (liquid)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (condiment)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (spice)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (spice)
sugar
1/8 teaspoon (sweetener)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (spice)
green bell pepper
1 medium, chopped (fresh vegetable)
cucumber
1 large, peeled, seeded, and chopped (fresh vegetable)
sweet onion
1 small, chopped (fresh vegetable)
raisins
1/2 cup (dried fruit)
canned tuna
6 ounces, drained (canned fish)
extra-sweet whole kernel corn
11 ounces, drained (canned vegetable)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked couscous, stirring gently.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat, cover with a lid, and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the water.
3
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside to cool.
4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder until well combined.
5
Once the couscous has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing along with the chopped green bell pepper, cucumber, onion, raisins, drained tuna, and drained corn.
6
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
7
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source in this Refreshing Tuna and Couscous Medley?
The primary protein source in this recipe is 6 ounces of drained canned tuna.
What type of grain is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked couscous as the grain base.
How long should the couscous stand after being added to boiling water?
The couscous should stand for 5 minutes with the lid on to allow it to fully absorb the water.
What ingredients make up the dressing for this medley?
The dressing consists of red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder.
Which fresh vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes a green bell pepper, a large cucumber (peeled, seeded, and chopped), and a small sweet onion.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It is recommended to serve this salad chilled or at room temperature after refrigerating it for at least one hour.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is ideal for meal prep as the flavors blend beautifully over time while chilling.
How many servings does this tuna and couscous recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How do you prepare the cucumber for this medley?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and then chopped into small pieces.
What kind of corn is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 11 ounces of drained extra-sweet whole kernel corn.
What sweetness is added to balance the savory flavors?
Sweetness is provided by 1/2 cup of raisins and a pinch of sugar in the dressing.
How do you finish preparing the couscous before adding other ingredients?
After the couscous has absorbed the water, you should fluff it with a fork and let it cool.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the zesty dressing?
The recipe specifically recommends using red wine vinegar.
How much water is needed to cook the couscous?
You will need 1/2 cup of water brought to a boil for the 1/2 cup of uncooked couscous.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is included in the dressing.
What type of onion is best for this salad?
A small sweet onion is recommended to provide a milder flavor compared to red or white onions.
Can this be eaten immediately after mixing?
While it can be enjoyed immediately, refrigerating it for at least 1 hour is recommended to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended category for this dish?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Is the couscous cooked on the stovetop the entire time?
No, once the water boils and the couscous is added, the pan is removed from the heat to let it steam under a lid.
Does this recipe include any spice or heat?
It includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for a mild seasoning, but no hot peppers or spicy elements.
Is the corn used fresh or canned?
The recipe uses canned extra-sweet whole kernel corn that has been drained.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used in the dressing.
How should the ingredients be combined?
The dressing is whisked separately, then the cooled couscous, vegetables, tuna, and corn are tossed together with the dressing.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad features a mix of soft couscous, crunchy cucumber and peppers, and chewy raisins.
Are the raisins prepared in any special way?
No, the raisins are added directly to the bowl as a dried fruit component.
What makes this salad 'refreshing'?
The combination of chilled cucumber, zesty vinegar dressing, and fresh vegetables provides a refreshing flavor profile.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe since the preparation is straightforward once the couscous is fluffed.
Does the recipe specify a certain size for the bell pepper?
The recipe calls for one medium-sized green bell pepper, chopped.
What tool is best for mixing the salad ingredients?
The recipe suggests gently tossing the ingredients together to coat them in dressing without breaking the components down too much.