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Fruity Couscous Salad
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Fruity Couscous Salad

This Fruity Couscous Salad is wonderful combination of couscous, dried fruit, pistachios and fresh herbs, finished with a simple lemon, turmeric and cinnamon dressing. So quick and easy to make but unbelievably delicious! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks and buffets. (Serves 4-8, depending on appetite and accompaniments.)
Course Salad, Side, Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern, North African
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 228kcal
Author Eb Gargano

Ingredients

Fruity Couscous Salad

  • 200 g couscous (I use Tesco couscous)
  • 250 ml boiling water (see Note 1)
  • 50 g semi-dried apricots chopped finely (I use Tesco ready to eat apricots)
  • 25 g dried cranberries
  • 25 g sultanas
  • 50 g pistachio kernels (pistachios without their shells)
  • 10 g fresh coriander (AKA cilantro) finely chopped
  • 10 g fresh mint finely chopped

Couscous Salad Dressing

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (See Note 2)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric (See Note 2)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (See Note 2)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (I use ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper)
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour over the boiling water. Cover with a plate and leave for 10 minutes to rehydrate. (See Note 1.)
  • Meanwhile, make the simple dressing by placing all the dressing ingredients in a clean jam jar. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously to combine.
  • When the couscous has rehydrated, fluff up with a fork and break up any lumps.
  • Add the dressing and stir to combine.
  • Add the chopped apricots, cranberries, sultanas and pistachio kernels, and stir to combine.
  • Add the fresh coriander and mint, and stir again to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed in.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Notes

  1. Different brands may need slightly different amounts of boiling water to rehydrate. Adjust according to packet instructions / your own preferences.
  2. All spices should be the ground/powder form
  3. Not suitable for freezing.
  4. Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg