Spiced Cranberry Couscous Salad with Toasted Walnuts
Elevate your culinary experience with this vibrant Spiced Cranberry Couscous Salad, a delightful blend of fluffy couscous, tangy dried cranberries, and fragrant curry spices. Topped with crunchy toasted walnuts and fresh scallions, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Infused with the zest of citrus juices, it's both refreshing and satisfying, making it a fantastic option for gatherings, picnics, or meal prep. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite, while keeping it low in cholesterol.
6
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant Couscous
1 (5 7/8 ounce box)
Dried Sweetened Cranberries
3/4 (cup)
Curry Powder
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Sugar
1 (teaspoon)
Orange
1/2 (juiced)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 (tablespoons)
Scallions
3-4 (trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle)
Fresh Italian Parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Chopped Walnuts
3/4 (cup, toasted)
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a heatproof bowl, combine the instant couscous, dried cranberries, curry powder, salt, and sugar.
2
Bring enough water to a boil as directed on the couscous package and pour it over the couscous mixture in the bowl. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and stir well to combine.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it rest for approximately 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure even cooking.
4
Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Add the extra-virgin olive oil, sliced scallions, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and toasted walnuts. Gently fold the ingredients into the couscous until they are evenly distributed.
5
For optimal flavor, prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance and allow it to sit at room temperature before serving. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground pepper as desired.
6
To toast the walnuts, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast them in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and aromatic. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
20
Carbs
3.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish featured in this recipe?
The recipe is for Spiced Cranberry Couscous Salad with Toasted Walnuts, a vibrant blend of couscous, tangy cranberries, and curry spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What type of couscous is required for this salad?
The recipe calls for a 5 7/8 ounce box of instant couscous.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavor profile is a mix of sweet dried cranberries, fragrant curry powder, zesty citrus juices, and nutty toasted walnuts.
Is this Spiced Cranberry Couscous Salad vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
What is the caloric content per serving?
Each serving of the salad contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 3.3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, the description specifically mentions that the dish is a low-cholesterol option.
How do you toast the walnuts for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), spread the walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast for about 8 minutes until golden brown.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting walnuts?
The oven should be set to 400°F (200°C).
How long should the couscous sit after adding water?
The couscous should rest covered for approximately 5 minutes until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What ingredients are mixed with the dry couscous before adding water?
Combine the dry couscous with dried cranberries, curry powder, salt, and sugar.
What citrus juices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses both freshly squeezed orange juice and lemon juice.
How should the scallions be prepared?
The scallions should be trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, for optimal flavor, it is recommended to prepare it up to 2 hours in advance and let it sit at room temperature.
How should the couscous be handled once it is cooked?
It should be fluffed with a fork to separate the grains before adding the other ingredients.
What type of oil is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
How much curry powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
What herb is used for garnish or flavor in this salad?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh Italian parsley.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar.
How much salt is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt plus additional to taste before serving.
What should I do if the walnuts start to burn?
The instructions advise keeping a close eye on them while toasting to prevent burning as they brown quickly.
How much orange juice is added to the couscous?
The juice of half an orange is added to the couscous mixture while it cooks.
What are some recommended occasions for serving this salad?
It is perfect for gatherings, picnics, meal prep, or as a light meal.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients listed, including seasonings.
Is the fiber content specified for this recipe?
No, the fiber content is not specified in the current nutritional information.
Should the salad be served cold or at room temperature?
The recipe suggests allowing the salad to sit at room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
How much dried cranberries are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.