moroccan couscous salad recipe

đŸ„™ Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe, A Flavor-Packed Twist on Salad!

Hi friends!

If you’re tired of the same old leafy salad, this Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe is about to change everything. It’s bright, bold, and bursting with flavor thanks to all the yummy spices, crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, and creamy feta. I make this when I want something easy, exciting, and a little different. Plus, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!

Let’s dive into this colorful bowl of goodness. 🌿✹

đŸ„Ł Method

Make the Couscous:

Start by preparing your couscous according to the package instructions. Most couscous is very easy to cook simply place it in a heatproof bowl, pour over just enough boiling water to cover it (with a little extra to fluff), and cover the bowl with a plate or lid. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can absorb the water fully and become nice and fluffy. Once it’s done, take a fork and gently fluff the grains to separate them. This helps make sure your salad won’t be mushy and keeps the texture light and perfect.

Make the Dressing:

While the couscous is soaking, you can quickly whip up the dressing. Grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid and add in the olive oil, lemon juice, and all the spices cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ground ginger, coriander, and a pinch of turmeric. These spices are what give the salad its Moroccan flavor, so don’t skip any of them! Stir everything together really well with a spoon or, if you’re using a jar, give it a good shake with the lid on. Make sure the spices are fully mixed into the oil and lemon juice so every bite of salad will be full of flavor.

Mix the Salad:

Once your couscous has cooled a little and is fluffy, it’s time to bring all the salad ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked couscous first. Then toss in the chopped apple for sweetness and crunch, the raisins for little bursts of chewy sweetness, and the sliced green olives for a salty touch. Crumble in the feta cheese, which gives it a creamy, tangy bite. Add the freshly chopped parsley and mint for a refreshing, herby balance. Finally, sprinkle in the chopped pistachio nuts for that delicious crunch and a pop of nutty flavor.

Dress It Up:

Now that everything’s in the bowl, it’s time to bring it all together with that amazing spiced dressing. Give the dressing one more quick stir or shake some spices may have settled at the bottom and then pour it evenly over the salad. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, making sure all the couscous and mix-ins are coated with the dressing. Be gentle so the feta and apples stay in nice pieces and don’t get mashed. You’ll know it’s ready when everything looks shiny and colorful and you can smell all those wonderful spices!

🧰 Necessary Tools

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for the dressing
  • Fork (for fluffing couscous)
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Spoon for mixing

đŸ„™ Moroccan Couscous Salad Recipe, A Flavor-Packed Twist on Salad!

Recipe by Jay RehakCuisine: MoroccanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Salad:

  • 120g couscous

  • 1 apple, chopped

  • A handful of raisins

  • A handful of sliced green olives

  • 60g feta cheese

  • A handful of finely chopped parsley

  • A handful of finely chopped fresh mint

  • 2 tbsp pistachio nuts

  • For the Dressing:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger

  • 1/4 tsp coriander

  • Pinch of turmeric

Directions

  • Make the Couscous: Cook the couscous as directed on the package. Usually, you just pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, mix together all the dressing ingredients. Give it a good stir (or shake if using a jar!) so the spices blend well with the oil and lemon juice.
  • Mix the Salad: In your mixing bowl, add the cooked couscous, chopped apple, raisins, olives, feta, parsley, mint, and pistachios.
  • Dress It Up: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix everything gently. You want all the ingredients to get coated in that delicious, spiced dressing.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the fresh herbs! Dried herbs won’t give you the same fresh flavor burst.
  • Make sure your couscous isn’t too wet fluff it well with a fork before mixing.
  • Let the couscous cool a bit before adding the feta so it doesn’t melt.
  • Stir the dressing again right before pouring spices can settle at the bottom.

đŸœïž Serving Suggestions

  • Serve it cold or at room temperature.
  • It makes a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or falafel.
  • Pack it in a lunchbox for a super flavorful lunch at school or work.
  • Top it with a poached egg if you’re feeling fancy!

🎉 Fun Fact

Couscous isn’t actually a grain it’s pasta! Tiny little pasta pearls that are steamed and fluffed. It’s a staple in Moroccan cooking and super quick to make.

✅ Conclusion

This Moroccan Couscous Salad is not just a salad it’s a flavor party in a bowl! It’s sweet, salty, herby, and spicy all at once, and it’s so easy to make. I love how refreshing and different it is from typical salads. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients and takes just 15 minutes. Give it a try and spice up your next meal!

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