Pronounced Koos-Koos, it is considered a pasta made from Semolina or Whole wheat. The whole wheat variety obviously provides more fiber and can be easily substituted for Rice, Quinoa or Pasta, though I think Couscous salad is probably the most popular dish.
There are many varieties of Couscous, though the one I used is called Pearl or Israeli Couscous. I had always eaten the small, moroccan variety till a few years back, when my colleague got this salad for lunch from the local deli, next to our office. it reminded me of our Indian Sabudana/Tapioca!
The recipe for the dressing was shared by my friend Salma, who is from Turkey,though she did not use any hot sauce. Of course, the Indian in me can’t help but spice things up, so I added Sriracha Hot Sauce. This is completely optional, though for me this is what gives it the oomph!
The best part about this salad is it can be made in advance. If you read my post How to Organize a Diwali Mithai Exchange/Swap Party, then you know that this was one of the appetizers that I made. And if you read How to organize/ plan the best stressfree dinner party, then you know that I always like a mix of hot and cold appetizers as well as something that can be made beforehand. This salad fit the bill perfectly. Plus its so colorful, you want to reach out and eat it!
Couscous salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup Israeli Couscous
for dressing
- 3 tbsp Ketchup
- 3 tbsp Sriracha Hot sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1-2 lemons I used 1 1/2 limes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground Jeera powder
Salad
- Cut Vegetables like onions cucumber, tomatoes, colored peppers, cilantro.
- The quantity of cut vegetables should be same as ready couscous.
- 8-10 olives sliced
- Feta cheese-8 tbsps divided
Instructions
-
Prepare couscous as per directions on box
-
Dice vegetables
-
Make dressing by mixing all the ingredients.Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
-
Mix Dressing to couscous and leave, can even be prepared a day in advance. The flavors taste better as it has chance to get absorbed.
-
Just before serving, mix the vegetables, couscous, olives and half the feta cheese.
-
Top with remaining Feta cheese.
Notes
This is the perfect salad to make in advance. Mix the couscous with the dressing and leave for a few hours inthe fridge. Vegetables and Feta cheese should be added just before serving.
Here is the step by step pictorial recipe-
Brown Couscous in oil
Add water and cook as per directions
Mix Ketchup, Sriracha Hot sauce and Oil
Add Lemon/Lime juice
Add minced Garlic
Add Black pepper and Ground Cumin and mix well
Dressing is ready
Pour Dressing over prepared Couscous and refrigerate.
Dice vegetables, slice Olives and crumble Feta cheese
Mix Couscous with vegetables, olives and half Feta cheese. Top with remaining Feta cheese.
Enjoy!
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