Best 8 Couscous And Dried Fruit Salad Recipes

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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.

Let's cook with our recipes!

COUSCOUS WITH PISTACHIOS, APRICOTS AND CRANBERRIES



CousCous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries image

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

2 cups Israeli or pearl couscous
2 cups dried fruit (such as apricots, cranberries or dried cherries, chopped into bite size pieces)
3/4 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup mint (chopped)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons golden balsamic vinegar
1-2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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



Middle Eastern Couscous with Dried Fruit image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup raisins
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon coriander
1 1/2 cups packaged couscous
2 cups boiling water
3/4 teaspoon salt

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



Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 14m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

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



Fruity Couscous Salad image

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

1 ⅓ cups dry couscous
⅔ cup slivered almonds
½ cup packed dried apricots, chopped
⅔ cup Craisins (sweetened, dried cranberries) or raisins, microwaved in
1 cup water for 1 minute
1 teaspoon cumin
3 scallions, thinly sliced with greens
1 pinch Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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



Curried Couscous Salad with Dried Sweet Cranberries image

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

1 (5.8-ounce) box instant couscous
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 orange, juiced
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 lemon, juiced
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Freshly ground pepper

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



Couscous Salad With Dried Apricots and Preserved Lemon image

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

3 cups Israeli (pearl) couscous, whole-wheat or regular
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup torn fresh mint leaves
2/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste
1/2 cup chopped scallion, white and light-green parts
2 1/2 tablespoons chopped preserved lemon
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Chopped pistachio nuts, for garnish (optional)

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



Couscous Salad With Dried Cranberries and Pecans image

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

1 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat
Salt
2 large carrots, grated
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup olive oil, or more as needed
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon, or more juice as needed
1 teaspoon coriander
Pinch of cayenne, or to taste
Black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, or 1 teaspoon dried

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



Nummy Couscous Salad With Dried Fruit image

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

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup whole wheat couscous
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons craisins
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas
3 green onions, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/3 cup dried apricot, finely diced
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil or 1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper

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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