Hearty and Flavorful Couscous Salad
[Vegan/Vegetarian] Easy & Delicious Couscous Salad Recipe
Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for ‘Couscous Salad,’ a dish that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and satisfying enough for a full meal! Couscous, made from durum wheat semolina (also used for pasta), has a delightful texture and can be steamed or used in various dishes, much like potatoes or carrots. Its unique texture and simple preparation are often overlooked, making it a hidden gem. Give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
For the Couscous- 100g Water
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 100g Couscous
For the Salad- 1 Bell Pepper (seeds removed, chopped as desired)
- 2 cups Lettuce (washed and thoroughly dried)
For the Whole Grain Mustard Dressing- 1 Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Pinch Salt
- A splash of Lemon Juice (to taste)
- 1 Bell Pepper (seeds removed, chopped as desired)
- 2 cups Lettuce (washed and thoroughly dried)
For the Whole Grain Mustard Dressing- 1 Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Pinch Salt
- A splash of Lemon Juice (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine 100g of water, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add 100g of couscous, cover the pot, and let it sit for about 2 minutes to absorb the liquid and swell.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash your salad greens (lettuce) under running water and ensure they are completely dry. Chop the bell pepper after removing the seeds, cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Step 3
After 2 minutes, gently fluff the couscous with a fork. Place the saucepan over low heat and lightly sauté the couscous for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances the texture and prevents clumping. Remove from heat and allow it to cool down naturally from residual heat.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp whole grain mustard, 1 Tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a flavorful dressing.
Step 5
Combine the prepared salad vegetables and the cooled couscous in a large bowl. Drizzle with the homemade whole grain mustard dressing or your favorite dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Enjoy your delicious and healthy couscous salad! You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it an even more substantial meal.