Tantalize your taste buds with a delightful culinary journey as we delve into the realm of couscous and dried fruit salads. These vibrant dishes offer a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors, promising a refreshing and satisfying experience. From the classic Moroccan couscous salad bursting with aromatic spices and tender vegetables to the vibrant Israeli salad featuring a medley of fresh herbs and tangy dressing, each recipe is a testament to the versatility and global appeal of this grain-based salad.
Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the diverse world of couscous and dried fruit salads. Discover the secrets behind the perfect fluffy couscous, learn how to select the finest dried fruits for maximum flavor, and uncover the art of balancing sweet and savory elements for a truly unforgettable dish. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes will guide you towards creating stunning salads that will impress even the most discerning palate.
COUSCOUS WITH PISTACHIOS, APRICOTS AND CRANBERRIES
This simple shallot vinaigrette over couscous is delicious served either warm or at room temperature for a favorite side dish or vegetarian main dish made straight from simple pantry staples.
Provided by Heidi
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook the couscous according to the package directions. Fluff the couscous and add it to a large bowl with the chopped fruit, pistachios and mint. To a small mason jar, add the olive oil, shallots, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a few pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shake the dressing well and add more honey and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the coucous mixture, and stir to combine. The salad can be eaten warm or cold. If cold, allow 1-2 hours up to overnight in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.
MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. (This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over very low heat or in a microwave oven.)
SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 14m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.
FRUITY COUSCOUS SALAD
To boost flavor and nutrition, prepare the whole-grain couscous with orange juice instead of water.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories Salad Pasta Salad Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Prepare couscous according to package directions. Combine all ingredients; toss. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.2 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fat 4.9 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g
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.
COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS AND PRESERVED LEMON
While summer is still with us, you can serve any vegetable-laden dishes you've been enjoying all season alongside your meat. Or for something different, I offer a couscous and dried apricot salad dressed with preserved lemon and plenty of herbs. If you can't find any preserved lemons, and can spare a few weeks, here's a recipe to make them yourself.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories easy, quick, salads and dressings
Time 15m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in a small dry skillet, toast cumin seeds until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Lightly crush them using a mortar and a pestle (or use the flat side of a heavy knife and a cutting board). Add to a bowl with the warm couscous, vinegar, salt and pepper and toss well. When the couscous is cool, add remaining ingredients and mix well. Taste and add more salt, lemon juice or oil if needed. Garnish with pistachio nuts if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 295, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 126 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
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
NUMMY COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT
Make and share this Nummy Couscous Salad With Dried Fruit recipe from Food.com.
Provided by trishypie
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 25m
Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Put the cous cous into a large bowl and pour boiling water over top. Cover loosely with lid and let sit 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Meanwhile, chop all your veggies and then add everything to the cous cous and stir well. Serve immediately or let sit in the fridge for a few hours. It tastes better the next day!
- Enjoy!
Tips:
- For the best results, use a good quality couscous. Look for one that is made from 100% whole wheat and has a slightly nutty flavor.
- Be sure to rinse the couscous thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any dirt or debris.
- When cooking the couscous, be sure to use a ratio of 1:1 couscous to water. This will ensure that the couscous is cooked evenly and is not too dry.
- Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork. This will help to separate the grains and make the couscous light and airy.
- Add your favorite dried fruits and nuts to the couscous salad. Some popular options include raisins, cranberries, apricots, almonds, and walnuts.
- For a refreshing twist, add some fresh herbs to the salad. Mint, cilantro, and parsley are all good choices.
- Drizzle the salad with a vinaigrette dressing. This will help to bring all of the flavors together.
- Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. It is a great side dish or main course.
Conclusion:
Couscous and dried fruit salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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