Vibrant Couscous Salad with Cranberries and Crunchy Pecans
Elevate your salad game with this delightful Vibrant Couscous Salad, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The fluffy couscous serves as a fantastic base, mingling beautifully with plump dried cranberries and the rich crunch of toasted pecans. Fresh cucumbers add a refreshing bite, while scallions and peas introduce a burst of color and nutrition. Finished with a zesty lemon dressing and a hint of garlic, this salad not only dazzles the palate but is also perfect for gatherings or as a light meal. Enjoy this nutritious dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a great choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shelled Pecans
1 cup (toasted)
Couscous
1.5 cups (uncooked)
Dried Cranberries
1 cup (uncooked)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Boiling Water
2 cups (boiling)
Frozen Peas
1 cup (thawed)
Scallions
3 (very thinly sliced)
Cucumbers
2 medium (peeled, seeded, and diced)
Fresh Basil
1/4 cup (shredded)
Lemon
1 (zest of)
Lemon Juice
1/3 cup (fresh)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
to taste (fresh ground)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (extra virgin)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 7 minutes, or until they're fragrant and lightly golden. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the couscous, dried cranberries, and turmeric. Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with a large plate or foil and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the water.
4
After 10 minutes, remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Cover again and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes.
5
Once the couscous is fluffed and cool, gently fold in the toasted pecans, thawed peas, sliced scallions, diced cucumbers, and fresh basil.
6
In a separate jar, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Secure the lid and shake vigorously to mix the dressing.
7
Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delightful salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main grain used in this salad?
The main grain used in this recipe is 1.5 cups of uncooked couscous.
How do I toast the pecans for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pecans on a baking sheet. Toast for about 7 minutes until fragrant and golden.
How long should the couscous soak in boiling water?
The couscous should sit tightly covered for 10 minutes to absorb the water, then be fluffed and rested for another 5 minutes.
What ingredients are used to color the couscous?
Ground turmeric is added to the couscous and boiling water to give the salad its vibrant yellow color.
What type of fruit is included in this salad?
The recipe includes 1 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and savory balance.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be peeled, seeded, and diced before being added to the salad.
What is in the dressing for the Vibrant Couscous Salad?
The dressing consists of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this couscous salad vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian and features plant-based ingredients like grains, nuts, and vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What fresh herbs are used in this dish?
Fresh shredded basil and sliced scallions are used to provide herbal notes and freshness.
Can I use frozen peas in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
Should the salad be served hot or cold?
This salad can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar with a secure lid and shake it vigorously to emulsify.
What is the ratio of water to couscous?
The recipe uses 2 cups of boiling water for 1.5 cups of uncooked couscous.
How do I prevent the couscous from clumping?
After the initial 10-minute soak, use a fork to fluff the grains and separate them before letting it rest.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the zesty lemon dressing.
How many scallions should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 scallions, very thinly sliced.
Is there a specific way to slice the basil?
The basil should be shredded before being folded into the salad.
What size should the pecans be?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of shelled pecans which are then toasted.
Can this salad be used for meal prep?
Yes, its ability to be served chilled makes it an excellent choice for a light meal or a gathering.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
When should I add the toasted pecans to the salad?
Add the toasted pecans once the couscous has been fluffed and allowed to cool.
What temperature should the water be when added to the couscous?
The water should be boiling when poured over the couscous, cranberries, and turmeric.
Is this a good recipe for a summer salad?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad due to its refreshing cucumber, lemon, and pea components.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
While the recipe calls for cranberries, you could likely substitute other dried fruits like raisins or currants.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features fluffy couscous grains contrasted with crunchy toasted pecans and crisp cucumbers.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After tossing the salad with the dressing, taste it and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.