Welcome to a culinary journey where flavors dance and textures delight! We present to you the calico cranberry couscous salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This unique salad combines the delicate sweetness of dried cranberries, the nutty flavor of toasted pecans, and the slightly tangy bite of crumbled feta cheese, all harmoniously blended with fluffy couscous. The dressing, a delightful fusion of citrusy orange juice, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic olive oil, adds a burst of flavor that elevates this salad to a whole new level. In addition to the main recipe, we'll also explore variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegan option that swaps feta cheese for creamy avocado and a gluten-free alternative that uses quinoa instead of couscous. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the tantalizing world of calico cranberry couscous salad and its delightful variations!
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
CURRIED COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED SWEET CRANBERRIES
For a picnic, there's no way I'm going to pass on making couscous. Instant Couscous so easy, it's almost embarrassing. The only "cooking" involved is boiling some water. I love it! Of course, you need to add some flavor to the couscous, but that's not hard. When you spike it with curry powder, fresh herbs, and a splash of orange and lemon juice, no one will be complaining about blandness. This dish tastes great at room temperature, and that makes it a picnic no-brainer because you can make it hours ahead of time.
Provided by Dave Lieberman
Categories main-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Stir the couscous, cranberries, curry powder, salt, and sugar together in a heatproof bowl. Bring water (amount will be listed on package directions) to a boil and pour it over the couscous. Add the orange juice. Give it a big stir, cover the bowl tightly and let it stand, giving it a big stir once or twice, until the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff up the couscous with a fork. Add the olive oil, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, and walnuts. Stir around until everything is distributed evenly throughout the couscous. Make up to 2 hours ahead of time and keep at room temperature until you're ready to serve. Check the seasonings just before you serve the salad and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Note: To toast the walnuts, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree F oven until they turn a shade darker, about 8 minutes.
CRANBERRY COUSCOUS SALAD
I got this delicious recipe from a co-worker after she brought it to a potluck. It was definitely one of the hits of the day! Originally from Southern Living. Update Dec '09: I've now made this multiple times since originally posting; it is one of my absolute favorites for a potluck! I usually double it but find that if you cook double the amount of couscous at once, it can get gummy, so I cook it in two separate batches (cook one then use the same pot to do the next), then add the rest of the (doubled) ingredients.
Provided by flower7
Categories Berries
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine broth, cranberries, cinnamon, and cumin in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Remove broth from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let stand for 5-7 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly, uncovered.
- Whisk oil and vinegar together; pour over couscous. Add remaining ingredients and toss well.
- Serve either chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.7, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 1.5, Sodium 191.4, Carbohydrate 25.6, Fiber 3, Sugar 0.8, Protein 6.2
CRANBERRY-NUT COUSCOUS SALAD
If you're looking for something a little different to take to a carry-in dinner, try this pretty salad featuring couscous, dried cranberries and almonds. It's easy to make and good for you, too! -Jean Ecos Hartland, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare couscous according to package directions using water and olive oil. Fluff with a fork; transfer to a large bowl. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes., Add cranberries, green onions, yellow pepper and almonds to couscous. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients; toss with salad. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 45mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CRANBERRY-COUSCOUS SALAD
Add some Mediterranean flavor to your dinner with this couscous, nuts and cranberry salad made using Progresso® chicken broth - ready in 30 minutes.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In 2-quart saucepan, heat broth, cranberries, cinnamon and cumin to boiling. Remove from heat; stir in couscous. Cover; let stand 15 minutes. Fluff with fork; let stand uncovered until cooled.
- In small bowl, beat oil and vinegar with whisk; pour over couscous. Add almonds, onions and mint; toss well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 302, Carbohydrate 34 g, Fat 3, Fiber 3 1/2 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 218 mg
COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS
This combination of pecans, cranberries and couscous has the feel and flavor of a classic autumn side dish without the heaviness. It can also be made a day in advance.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories salads and dressings
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Put the couscous in a small pot and add 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20.
- Put the slightly cooled couscous in a large salad bowl along with the carrots, pecans, cranberries, scallions, oil and lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with the spices and salt and pepper. Use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing the couscous and tossing gently to separate the grains. (The salad can be made up to this point and refrigerated for up to a day; bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
- Stir in the parsley and sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning, moisten with a little more oil and lemon juice as you like, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 432, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 352 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams
CRUNCHY CALICO SALAD
Here's a top-rated salad perfect for potlucks or family parties. Its colorful blend of corn, peas and pimentos make it easy to spot on the buffet table, and the gang'll love the crunchy water chestnuts and almonds.-Bernice Knutson, Danbury, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 128 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In several large bowls, combine the corn, peas, water chestnuts, onions and pimientos. , In another large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cheese, milk, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables; toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, add almonds and toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts :
QUICK CALICO SALAD
This is a light, colorful and tasty salad. Fortunately, it travels well because it's an expected dish at my family reunions.-Joanne Neuendorf, Potosi, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, combine the sour cream, milk and salad dressing mix. Pour over vegetables; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Stir in sunflower kernels and bacon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 86 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 86mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CRANBERRY COUSCOUS
Although it looks like a grain, couscous is actually a type of pasta. The couscous pellets cook very quickly due to their small size. You'll find it near the Middle Eastern or Mediterranean foods.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring broth and butter to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cranberries and onions. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until broth is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 295mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
CALICO CORN SALAD
With a full-time job and my own catering business, I appreciate delicious food that can be prepared ahead, like this colorful zippy salad. My family and friends are glad to sample the new dishes I prepare, especially when they turn out as good as this one. -Henry Tindal, Red Bank, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 10m
Yield 8-10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the corn, zucchini, red pepper, chilies and onion. , In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine remaining ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad and stir gently. Chill for several hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 15g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 494mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe cranberries for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw them completely before using. - If you don't have orange juice, you can use another type of citrus juice, such as grapefruit juice or lemon juice. - To make the salad ahead of time, prepare it as directed and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. - This salad is a great make-ahead dish for parties or potlucks. - If you're looking for a vegan version of this salad, you can omit the feta cheese. - You can add other ingredients to this salad to your liking, such as chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or dried fruit.Conclusion:
This Calico Cranberry Couscous Salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet cranberries, tangy orange juice, and savory feta cheese makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser.
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