Couscous Salad

This is one of my favorite salads.  I am going to add the nutrition information shortly.  I would highly recommend using whole wheat couscous as it adds more fiber and whole grains to the mix.  You can also substitute chicken stock for fat free reduced sodium chicken broth.  

This is another recipe with a LOT of chopping.  Try to use a food processor if you can.

Also my good friend, Sara, told me the easiest way to prepare the cucumber for this recipe is to first peel the cucumber.  Then cut the cucumber in half.  Take each of the halfs and cut them lengthwise.  Then use a spoon to and start at the end and scrape out all of the seeds. 

The nutritional info is for 6 servings.  I get a LOT more than 6 servings from this.  Also the nutritional info is not for whole wheat couscous.

Couscous Salad

Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, 2004

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

35 min

Cook Time:

5 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 10 ounces instant couscous
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 small red onion, peeled, diced
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
Place the couscous in a large, heatproof bowl. Stir in the salt and the cinnamon. Pour the boiling stock over the couscous mixture, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove cover, fluff couscous and allow to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions. Add the cooled couscous and toss until well blended. Stir in the cilantro leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.


Nutrition Facts
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving
 
Calories     334.3
  Total Fat     10.5 g
          Saturated Fat     1.5 g
          Polyunsaturated Fat     1.0 g
          Monounsaturated Fat     7.0 g
  Cholesterol     1.7 mg
  Sodium     717.3 mg
  Potassium     318.4 mg
  Total Carbohydrate     54.9 g
  Dietary Fiber     4.0 g
  Sugars     1.5 g
  Protein     9.2 g

nutritional information from Recipe Calculator at Sparkpeople.com