Craving a dish that transports you to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines with just one bite? Look no further than this incredibly vibrant Pearl Couscous Salad that promises to revolutionize your summer dining experience! Bursting with fresh ingredients, this recipe is not just a salad—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for the recipe. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food adventurer, this simple yet sophisticated dish is about to become your new favorite go-to meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add pearl couscous and reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pan and simmer the couscous for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed and the couscous is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the couscous is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley leaves, discarding the thick stems.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer a cold salad.
Tips
- Liquid Matters: Always use flavorful vegetable broth instead of water when cooking couscous to enhance its taste profile.
- Cooling Technique: Allow your couscous to cool slightly before mixing with vegetables to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures.
- Ingredient Temperature: For the most vibrant flavors, use room temperature vegetables and freshly chopped herbs.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing thoroughly to ensure the olive oil and vinegar are perfectly emulsified.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after resting for an hour in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
