Free Shipping On All Orders Over $85!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean couscous salad is inspired by the flavors of Sicily - with lemon, fresh mint and basil, sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy almonds, it's a lot of bright flavor and satisfying texture. While couscous isn't thought of as Italian, it's actually made of Semolina flour and is technically a pasta! You can substitute any small pasta like orzo, or even fregola for an extra toasty, delicious flavor.

This is a great simple side dish to serve up with company, or a prep-ahead lunch. Add chicken or seafood for protein!

Mediterranean couscous salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Category

pasta pasta salad Salad side Side Dish

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

449

Author:

Giada De Laurentiis

Image of Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus 1/4 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 1-pound box Israeli couscous, (fregola, or orzo)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 lemons, (juiced)
  • 1 lemon, (zested)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, (toasted)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until toasted and lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper and let cool.
  3. Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and almonds. Toss to combine and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition

per serving
Calories
449
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Carbs
73 grams
Protein
14 grams
Fat
11 grams
Saturated Fat
2 grams
Cholesterol
4 milligrams
Sodium
375 milligrams
Fiber
6 grams
Sugar
7 grams
Unsaturated Fat
9 grams
vegetarian

0 comments

Please sign in or create an account to review or comment on recipes.