Couscous, (pronounced “koos-koos”), is a staple of North African cooking. It is widely available in packaged form in most supermarkets and is quite affordable. Couscous is granules of semolina made from the pasta wheat, durum. Durum is high in protein and gluten which is best for pasta as it contributes to the elasticity and firmness of the bite.
Like pasta or rice, it can serve many culinary purposes and it is simple to prepare. With a total preparation time of 5 minutes, this versatile grain is the perfect go to “fast food." Additionally, it contains no fat and contains 2g of dietary fiber per serving. It can be used as a salad base, a filling addition to soups, and an accompaniment for meats and vegetables.
Greek Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tri-color couscous
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/3 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/2 cup bottled Greek salad dressing
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Method:
- Cook couscous according to package instructions. To add more depth of flavor, substitute water with chicken stock or vegetable stock. Be sure to follow timing closely and fluff cooked couscous gently with a fork to ensure the couscous is light and separated.
- Allow couscous to cool.
- While the couscous is cooking, prepare the chopped vegetables.
- Add vegetables and dressing to fluffed and cooled couscous and stir gently until well incorporated. Add feta cheese and stir gently until mixed in.
This salad is very diverse and the amounts of ingredients and the vegetables themselves can be changed or substituted. For example, the green onion can be substituted with red onion if you prefer, so allow your creativity and taste to modify if desired.
How to Serve Greek Couscous Salad
This simple and healthy salad is as diverse as it is flexible. This dish can be served on its own as a lunch, or as a side. It is a great meal to bring to the beach, picnic or a barbeque. Some fun and creative ways to bring this to the beach or a picnic are:
- Chinese Food containers- which can be found at restaurant supply stores and some craft stores.
- Pails- for a fun and festive flare if bringing to the beach, serve in small beach pails.
- Layered- if bringing as a dish to a barbeque or party, layer the ingredients. To layer, only mix the couscous and dressing. In a mason jar, alternate couscous, vegetables and cheese. For an extra special touch, attach the recipe to the top of the jar by securing with a piece of ribbon or jute.
- In a vegetable- serve in a hollowed tomato or pepper, or scoop into a radicchio or lettuce leaf using an ice cream scoop.
This salad is affordable, healthful and great at home or on the go. It is fast, easy and flexible which makes it the perfect go to salad. In this fast paced world, simple and practical recipes are just what the doctor ordered!
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