Bright, zesty, and packed with a delightful mix of textures, this Couscous Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Featuring fluffy couscous as the base, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of dried cranberries, the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, and the fresh vibrancy of chopped parsley and green onions. Tossed in a light lemon-honey dressing, this salad is a quick and easy dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. With its combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this couscous salad is sure to become a go-to for any gathering!
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoon of salt to a boil.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
While the couscous is cooling, toast 0.5 cup of pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool, then roughly chop.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Add 0.5 cup of dried cranberries, the toasted and chopped pecans, 0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 2 sliced green onions to the couscous. Toss gently to combine.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to evenly coat all ingredients.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Calories |
1064 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.9 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1556 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.7 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.4 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 236 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1012 mg | 22% | |
*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.