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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.