Couscous Salad Three Ways
Couscous is a grain that is quick to prepare and cook, and its neutral flavor makes it ideal for all kinds of salads. A plain batch of couscous makes a great base for a variety of ingredient combinations.
Here is a basic recipe for couscous.
Basic Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups plain couscous
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring the chicken stock to a boil with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. As soon as the liquid begins to boil, add in the couscous. Stir to incorporate and cover the saucepan.
- Let stand for 5 minutes so the couscous can absorb the stock, and lightly fluff with a fork.
- Use as is, or chill for later use (like the recipes below).
Turn a basic couscous recipe into three distinctly different salads from a handful of ingredients. Each one can be served warm for dinner or chilled for a picnic.
Classic Summer Couscous Salad
An all-purpose salad for barbecues and picnics. Substitute the Roma tomatoes with any variety in your garden, even halve small cherry or grape tomatoes if you have those.
Ingredients
- 1 Recipe of Basic Couscous see recipe above
- 2 medium sized Roma tomato chopped (don’t skin or seed tomatoes, just chop up)
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian flat leaf parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 green onions sliced on the diagonal, white and green part
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
Greek Couscous Salad
Quick and easy salad for grilled lamb. Use a variety of summer squash for added color.
Ingredients
- 1 Recipe of Basic Couscous see recipe above
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
- 1 medium sized Roma tomato chopped (don’t skin or seed tomatoes, just chop up)
- 1 cup zucchini diced and lightly sautéed in 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
Easy Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Goes great with marinated and grilled or broiled poultry.
Ingredients
- 1 Recipe of Basic Couscous See recipe above
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 green onions sliced on the diagonal, white and green part
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts lightly toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together and serve.