Couscous Salad with Dried Cherries
Bright, vibrant, and full of irresistible flavors, this Couscous Salad with Dried Cherries is a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Fluffy couscous serves as the base, soaking up a zesty lemon dressing infused with fresh parsley, mint, and green onions. The addition of chewy dried cherries and crunchy slivered almonds creates a delightful texture contrast, while the aromatic zest and juice of lemon tie it all together. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy salad is ideal for a refreshing lunchtime boost, a side dish for grilled meats, or a light vegetarian meal. Serve it fresh or chill to enhance the bold, herby flavors. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or any occasion, this recipe is your go-to for a healthy and flavorful dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cups dried cherries
- 0.25 cups fresh parsley
- 0.25 cups fresh mint
- 3 stalks green onions
- 0.25 cups slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoons lemon zest
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and stir in the salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Remove the saucepan from heat, add the couscous, and cover with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the water.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it into a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
While the couscous is cooling, chop the parsley, mint, and green onions, and set them aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Add the dried cherries, chopped parsley, mint, green onions, and slivered almonds to the couscous. Toss gently to combine.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if necessary.
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
862 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.3 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1509 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.9 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.8 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 203 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 704 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
