Best 7 Couscous And Dried Fruit Salad Recipes

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Welcome to the world of flavors and textures, where couscous and dried fruit salad reign supreme! This culinary delight, originating from the vibrant regions of North Africa and the Middle East, is a harmonious blend of nutty couscous, sweet and chewy dried fruits, and a symphony of spices that ignite the senses. It's a versatile dish, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful balance of flavors, nutrients, and aesthetic appeal. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of crafting the perfect couscous and dried fruit salad, a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRUITY COUSCOUS SALAD



Fruity Couscous Salad image

To boost flavor and nutrition, prepare the whole-grain couscous with orange juice instead of water.

Provided by Ben S.

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 ⅓ cups dry couscous
⅔ cup slivered almonds
½ cup packed dried apricots, chopped
⅔ cup Craisins (sweetened, dried cranberries) or raisins, microwaved in
1 cup water for 1 minute
1 teaspoon cumin
3 scallions, thinly sliced with greens
1 pinch Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare couscous according to package directions. Combine all ingredients; toss. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.2 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fat 4.9 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 6 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT



Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 14m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
  • Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS



Couscous Salad With Dried Cranberries and Pecans image

This combination of pecans, cranberries and couscous has the feel and flavor of a classic autumn side dish without the heaviness. It can also be made a day in advance.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat
Salt
2 large carrots, grated
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/4 cup olive oil, or more as needed
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon, or more juice as needed
1 teaspoon coriander
Pinch of cayenne, or to taste
Black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, or 1 teaspoon dried

Steps:

  • Put the couscous in a small pot and add 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20.
  • Put the slightly cooled couscous in a large salad bowl along with the carrots, pecans, cranberries, scallions, oil and lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with the spices and salt and pepper. Use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing the couscous and tossing gently to separate the grains. (The salad can be made up to this point and refrigerated for up to a day; bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
  • Stir in the parsley and sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning, moisten with a little more oil and lemon juice as you like, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 432, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 352 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES



Couscous Salad with Dried Cherries image

When I read this recipe, it sounded so delicious that I wanted it for my recipe file at home. It has a good combination of textures. -Betty Reuter

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; cool. , In a bowl, combine the couscous, cherries, carrot, cucumber, onions and pine nuts. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT



Middle Eastern Couscous with Dried Fruit image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup raisins
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon coriander
1 1/2 cups packaged couscous
2 cups boiling water
3/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. (This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over very low heat or in a microwave oven.)

NUMMY COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT



Nummy Couscous Salad With Dried Fruit image

Make and share this Nummy Couscous Salad With Dried Fruit recipe from Food.com.

Provided by trishypie

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 1 cup, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup whole wheat couscous
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons craisins
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas
3 green onions, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/3 cup dried apricot, finely diced
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil or 1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Put the cous cous into a large bowl and pour boiling water over top. Cover loosely with lid and let sit 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, chop all your veggies and then add everything to the cous cous and stir well. Serve immediately or let sit in the fridge for a few hours. It tastes better the next day!
  • Enjoy!

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS



Couscous Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans image

Make and share this Couscous Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Grains

Time 22m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup shelled pecans
1 1/2 cups couscous
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups boiling water
1 cup thawed frozen peas
3 scallions, very thinly sliced
2 medium cucumbers, peeled,seeded,and diced
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
1 lemon, zest of
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Toast the pecans in a shallow pan in a preheated 350-degree oven until very fragrant, about 7 minutes.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • Place the couscous, cranberries, and turmeric in a large bowl.
  • Pour in the boiling water, stir, then cover the bowl with a large plate or foil.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the cover, then fluff the couscous with a fork.
  • Cover again and let sit 5 more minutes.
  • Stir in the pecans, peas, scallions, cucumbers, and basil.
  • Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
  • Pour over the couscous.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 664.1, Fat 38.5, SaturatedFat 4.3, Sodium 343.4, Carbohydrate 70.3, Fiber 9.8, Sugar 7.1, Protein 14.1

Tips:

  • Choose the right couscous: For this salad, it's best to use a medium-grain couscous. It cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture.
  • Toast the couscous: Toasting the couscous before cooking it adds a nutty flavor and helps to prevent it from becoming gummy.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the couscous will add a lot of flavor to the salad. Use a vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even a flavored water, such as lemon-infused water.
  • Add plenty of dried fruit: The dried fruit is what makes this salad so special. Use a variety of fruits, such as raisins, apricots, cranberries, and cherries. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
  • Dress the salad while it's warm: This will help the flavors to meld together. You can use a simple vinaigrette or a more flavorful dressing, such as a honey-mustard dressing.
  • Serve the salad warm or cold: This salad is delicious served warm or cold. If you're serving it cold, be sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This couscous and dried fruit salad is a delicious and healthy side dish or main course. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give this salad a try.

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