Imagine a dish that combines the delicate texture of fluffy couscous with the rich, sweet notes of dates and apricots, all elevated by the crunch of mixed nuts. This North African-inspired Couscous Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your senses and transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, refreshing salad that's perfect for those seeking a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that breaks away from the mundane.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: North African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a kettle or pot, measuring exactly 1 1/4 cups of boiling water.
- Place couscous in a large heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl immediately with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to trap steam.
- Let the couscous sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb the water and become fluffy.
- While couscous is steaming, chop dates, mixed nuts, and dried apricots into small, uniform pieces.
- After 10 minutes, uncover the couscous and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add chopped dates, nuts, and apricots to the couscous, mixing them evenly throughout.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring the nuts, fruits, and oil are well distributed.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish.
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Use boiling water precisely measured to ensure your couscous is perfectly fluffy, not soggy or dry.
- Steam Power: Cover the bowl tightly when adding boiling water to trap steam, which is crucial for achieving light, separated couscous grains.
- Chopping Technique: Cut dates, nuts, and apricots into uniform, small pieces to ensure even distribution and a balanced bite in every spoonful.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest for 5 minutes after mixing to allow the olive oil and seasonings to fully integrate with the ingredients.
- Nut Variation: Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts to customize the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
