When prepared properly, couscous salad with dried cherries is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a meal. It is packed with Mediterranean flavours and textures and is particularly delightful when made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The combination of chewy couscous, sweet dried cherries, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance that is sure to please a variety of palates. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing summer side dish, or a flavorful vegetarian main course, this couscous salad with dried cherries is a recipe worth exploring.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CHERRIES
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
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 :
CURRIED COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED SWEET CRANBERRIES
For a picnic, there's no way I'm going to pass on making couscous. Instant Couscous so easy, it's almost embarrassing. The only "cooking" involved is boiling some water. I love it! Of course, you need to add some flavor to the couscous, but that's not hard. When you spike it with curry powder, fresh herbs, and a splash of orange and lemon juice, no one will be complaining about blandness. This dish tastes great at room temperature, and that makes it a picnic no-brainer because you can make it hours ahead of time.
Provided by Dave Lieberman
Categories main-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Stir the couscous, cranberries, curry powder, salt, and sugar together in a heatproof bowl. Bring water (amount will be listed on package directions) to a boil and pour it over the couscous. Add the orange juice. Give it a big stir, cover the bowl tightly and let it stand, giving it a big stir once or twice, until the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff up the couscous with a fork. Add the olive oil, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, and walnuts. Stir around until everything is distributed evenly throughout the couscous. Make up to 2 hours ahead of time and keep at room temperature until you're ready to serve. Check the seasonings just before you serve the salad and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Note: To toast the walnuts, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a 400 degree F oven until they turn a shade darker, about 8 minutes.
ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH CHERRIES
Fresh cherries have a fleeting season so enjoy them as much as possible when they are available and consider using them in more than just desserts. Their naturally sweet-tart flavor is a great balance to savory ingredients like feta and fresh herbs.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Saute 1 chopped red onion in olive oil until softened. Add 1 cup Israeli couscous; cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat, 8 minutes. Toss with 8 ounces halved pitted cherries, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup each chopped parsley and scallions and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 287, Fat 8 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 17 milligrams, Sodium 581 milligrams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 9 grams
COUSCOUS WITH DRIED CHERRIES
My family loves couscous and this fruity variation is one of our favorites. This is also delicious with other dried fruit such as cranberries and apricots.
Provided by STEPHNDON
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a 2 quart saucepan, combine chicken broth, water, dried cherries, butter, salt, and pepper. Cook over high heat until boiling.
- Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.2 calories, Carbohydrate 42.6 g, Cholesterol 8.3 mg, Fat 4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 419.8 mg, Sugar 8.5 g
COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS
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
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
From the Cherry Institute. You can substitute almonds for the pine nuts or leave the nuts out. Use water or vegetable broth for a meatless dish. A very nice take on the North African classic--and quite simple.
Provided by Chef Kate
Categories Fruit
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in couscous.
- Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork; let cool 10 minutes, uncovered.
- Put cooked couscous, dried cherries, carrots, cucumber, green onions and pine nuts in a large bowl; mix well.
- Combine vinegar, olive oil and mustard in a small container; mix well.
- Pour over couscous mixture; stir to coat all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
DRIED CHERRY COUSCOUS SALAD
Unique picnic side dish. I've made this several times when bringing a side dish to summer barbecues. Every time, there's at least one person that asks me for the recipe. The original recipe also calls for 1 cup chopped onions, but I leave this out.
Provided by noway
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 25m
Yield 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in couscous.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Uncover and stir with a fork until all grains are fluffy.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, dried cherries, carrots, and cucumber.
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, and mustard, mix well.
- Pour over couscous mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Garnish with toasted almonds.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Best Couscous Salad with Dried Cherries:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables, flavorful dried cherries, and a good quality balsamic vinegar will make all the difference in the taste of your salad.
- Cook the couscous properly. Be sure to follow the package directions for cooking the couscous. If you overcook it, it will become mushy and unpleasant.
- Let the couscous cool completely before assembling the salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Add the dressing to the salad just before serving. This will prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Garnish the salad with fresh herbs or nuts for an extra pop of flavor.
Conclusion:
This couscous salad with dried cherries is a delicious and refreshing side dish or main course. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or summer gatherings. With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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