Pearl Couscous Salad
Recipe video above. I adore the bright Mediterranean flavours in this salad! Great one to take to gatherings for something a little different that everyone always loves. Serve as a side (6 to 8) or a meal in itself (serves 4).Also known as Israeli and gourmet Couscous, pearl couscous is the big brother version of the more common small couscous. Texture and taste like pasta – soft but a bit chewy, but has a pearly, slippery surface (hence the name).
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (, minced)
- ½ small onion (, finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups (250g/ 8oz) pearl couscous ((aka gourmet or Israeli couscous, Note 1))
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (, low sodium)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cucumbers (, diced (about 2 cups))
- 250g / 8 oz cherry tomatoes (, halved (about 2 cups))
- 3 cups baby spinach (, finely sliced (Note 2))
- ¼ cup coriander / cilantro (, finely chopped (or sub with parsley))
- ¼ cup dill (, finely chopped)
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (, minced)
- 1 tsp sugar (, optional)
- 3/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Sauté onion & garlic - Heat oil in a large saucepan or small pot over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion, saute until the onion is translucent and starting to brown.
- 2
Couscous & broth - Add couscous and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add broth and water, bring to a simmer. Then place the lid on and turn the heat down to medium low so it is simmering gently.
- 3
Cook for 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked through but still firm. Use a fork to separate the couscous, then transfer into a large bowl to cool. (It will form a sticky block but don't worry, it will separate when tossed with Dressing).
- 4
Dressing - Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- 5
Toss! Add Salad ingredients into the bowl, pour over Dressing and toss. Serve at room temperature.