Best 16 Israeli Couscous Asparagus Cucumber And Olive Salad Recipes

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Israeli couscous is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. It is made from toasted semolina flour and is similar to pasta in terms of its texture and taste. When combined with asparagus, cucumber, and olives, Israeli couscous creates a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Asparagus is a spring vegetable that is packed with nutrients, while cucumber is a refreshing and hydrating addition to any salad. Olives add a salty and briny flavor that complements the other ingredients in the salad.

Here are our top 16 tried and tested recipes!

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVES



Israeli Couscous Salad With Asparagus, Cucumber and Olives image

From Bon Appetit, June 2006. I discovered Israeli couscous at a restaurant over a year ago and set out to find it to try in standard couscous recipes. (Believe it or not I found Israeli couscous for sale at Safeway grocery store by sheer accident!) Quite thrilled to find this recipe very recently!

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (homemade is best) or 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best)
2 cups israeli couscous, toasted
2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, blanched
2 cups English cucumbers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olive, pitted, cut in half
2 large green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (plus a few sprigs for garnish-*NOT* dried mint!)
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • In a small non-reactive bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Stir in the couscous. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the couscous is tender and all the broth is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cool the couscous to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, stir in the blanched asparagus, cucumber, olives, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Gently mix in the feta cheese.
  • Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.4, Fat 20.9, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 395.5, Carbohydrate 39.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 11.1

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND ARUGULA SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Arugula Salad image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 cups Israeli (pearl) couscous
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 vine-ripened tomato, diced
1/2 cup dried currants
1 hothouse cucumber, seeded and diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
2 cups Israeli (curly baby) arugula

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until couscous has puffed up and is cooked through to the center. Drain and allow to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Prepare dressing by whisking together the lemon juice and mustard while drizzling in the olive oil. Once slightly emulsified, stir in pepper flakes and season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  • Toss the tomato, currants, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion and arugula with the couscous. Pour the dressing over top. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss to the combine.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD



ISRAELI COUSCOUS, ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVE SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Vegetarian

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2-1/2 cups low salt chicken broth or stock
2 cups toasted Israeli couscous (couscous grande - instructions for toasting are on package)
2 cups 1/2-inch pieces thin asparagus spears, blanched 2 minutes
2 cups 1/2-inch cubes seeded English hothouse cucumber
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
2 large green onions
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
1-1/2 cups coursely crumbled feta cheese (about 7 ounces)

Steps:

  • Press garlic clove into small bowl. Add lemon juice and mustard; whisk in oil. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Bring broth to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Mix in couscous. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until couscous is tender and all broth is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to large bowl; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 45 minutes. Mix asparagus, cucumber, oliver, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves into couscous. Add dressing; toss. Gently mix in cheese. Garnish with mint sprigs and serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND QUINOA SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Quinoa Salad image

A really light and delicious cold salad. You can use the vegetables shown here or get creative and add what you like, but the broth really is a must.

Provided by Pixelsicle

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ⅔ cups chicken broth
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
⅓ cup quinoa
2 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
1 ear fresh white corn, kernels cut from cob
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine chicken broth, Israeli couscous, and quinoa in a saucepan. Bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until broth is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Spoon into a large dish. Gently spread out and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.
  • Drizzle olive oil over couscous. Fluff with a fork until incorporated. Add corn, spring onions, red bell pepper, parsley, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate until well chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.9 g, Cholesterol 1.7 mg, Fat 5.8 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 433.2 mg, Sugar 2 g

ISRAELI TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD



Israeli Tomato and Cucumber Salad image

Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley combine with a drizzled dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and mint leaves.

Provided by mimitomany

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 English cucumbers, diced
4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and diced
½ purple onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, and mint together in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208.4 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 972.9 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Israeli Couscous With Asparagus image

Make and share this Israeli Couscous With Asparagus recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups water
1 3/4 cups asparagus, diagonally cut into 1 inch slices
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth, fat and salt-free
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup couscous, such as Israeli couscous
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons cashew nuts, chopped and lightly salted

Steps:

  • To cook asparagus place water in a medium saucepan; bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook 2 minutes or just until crisp-tender; drain. Place asparagus in ice water 1 minute; drain. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil. Add couscous; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook 5 minutes.
  • Stir in asparagus, black pepper, red bell pepper and cashews. Cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

A fresh and light salad of Israeli couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, spinach, and herbs drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing. Serve by itself or alongside your favorite protein.

Provided by The Natalie Method

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 1h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Israeli couscous, uncooked
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup quartered black olives
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
¼ cup julienned fresh mint leaves
¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves
lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add dry couscous and saute until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until couscous is tender and all liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
  • While the couscous is cooling, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and Dijon mustard together for the dressing in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Transfer cooled couscous to a serving bowl. Add cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, olives, scallions , parsley, mint, and basil. Pour dressing over top and mix to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 45.7 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 635.8 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

CUCUMBER AND ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Cucumber and Israeli Couscous Salad image

I love this tabbouleh-like mixture because of all the herbs and refreshing flavors, and also because of the nice contrast in textures. Make sure that you cook the couscous until the spheres are tender but not gummy. I have seen package directions that call for too little water; make sure you cook them in twice their volume of water.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Israeli couscous
6 to 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 3 large bunches)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 pound ripe tomatoes, very finely chopped
3/4 pound cucumbers (1 European or 4 Persian), seeded if using regular cucumbers, cut in fine dice
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped, or 1/4 cup chopped chives
Salt to taste
1 romaine lettuce heart, leaves separated, washed and dried

Steps:

  • Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
  • Transfer the couscous to a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions or chives and salt to taste. Add the olive oil, toss together, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 174, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 424 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CHICKPEA SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Chickpea Salad image

You can find a whole-wheat version of the spherical couscous marketed as Israeli couscous in some whole foods and Middle Eastern markets.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 3 to 4 generous servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup Israeli couscous, preferably whole-wheat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 ounce feta, diced
2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 red pepper, cut in thin 2-inch slices
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Salt to taste
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or use half olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or mild chili powder (more to taste)

Steps:

  • Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
  • Transfer the couscous to a bowl and add the cilantro, chives, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas and red pepper.
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the lemon juice, salt, cumin, remaining olive oil, yogurt and Aleppo pepper or chili powder. Toss with the couscous mixture. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 437, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 486 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

Make and share this Israeli Couscous Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

salt
1 lb israeli couscous
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 preserved lemon, skin only, sliced as thinly as possible (or 1 T. lemon zest)
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup currants or 1/4 cup golden raisin
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (can be drained canned)
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 pint cherry tomatoes or 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved if large
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
  • Cook the couscous, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy.
  • When it is ready, drain it well, rinse it very briefly with cold water, drain again, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  • Dress the couscous with olive oil, vinegar, ground spices, and a pinch of salt and toss it vigorously to ensure the spices are well distributed throughout the pasta.
  • Taste and add more acid or salt as necessary.
  • Add the preserved lemon, onion, currants, chickpeas, capers, pine nuts, tomatoes, and parsley to the couscous; toss them through once or twice, and if possible, let the salad rest at room temperature for an hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 495.1, Fat 17.6, SaturatedFat 1.9, Sodium 159, Carbohydrate 72.1, Fiber 6.5, Sugar 6, Protein 13.2

ISRAELI COUSCOUS PEPPER SALAD



Israeli Couscous Pepper Salad image

A yummy salad that makes a great summer supper! Adapted from Epicurean. Couscous or kuskus is a pasta from the Maghreb of Berber origin. It consists of spherical granules made by rolling and shaping moistened semolina wheat and then coating them with finely ground wheat flour. The finished grains are about 1 mm in diameter before cooking. The Israeli variant is about twice the diameter and made of hard wheat instead of semolina. The dish is a primary staple throughout much of Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya . It is also popular in the West African Sahel, in France, Madeira island, in western Sicily's Trapani province, and parts of the Middle East. It is particularly popular among Jews of North African descent, such as the Berber Jews, and is eaten in many other parts of the world as well.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Onions

Time 30m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups water (or vegetable broth)
1 cup israeli couscous
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon honey
1 large lime, juice of
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Bring water(or broth) to a boil.
  • Add couscous, olive oil and salt. Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender to the bite. Drain and cool couscous.
  • Combine couscous with kidney beans, peppers, onion, green onion, cilantro, parsley and hot pepper flakes.
  • Whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil and combine with couscous mixture.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.1, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 1.8, Sodium 517.9, Carbohydrate 57.7, Fiber 9, Sugar 8.8, Protein 11.6

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS, AND SUGAR SNAPS



Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps image

Provided by Jeanne Kelley

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Parmesan     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Chill     Healthy     Potluck     Couscous     Sugar Snap Pea     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1 1/3 cups Israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
14 ounces slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  • Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Test-kitchen tip:
  • To trim asparagus, hold onto the top of the stalk with one hand and bend the bottom of the stalk with your other hand. The stalk will snap, separating the woody end from the tender top.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

This is from "Gatherings", a professional quality recipe book published by the parents of Netivot HaTorah Day School in Thornhill, Ont.

Provided by Maxxr

Categories     Southwest Asia (middle East)

Time 17m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/8 cup oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 cups israeli couscous
1 (12 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • In a small jar or cruet, combine dressing ingredients. Cover. Shake well. Set aside.
  • Boil couscous in water for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender. Drain. Rinse with cold water.
  • In serving bowl, mix couscous with corn, pepper and onion.
  • Pour dressing over couscous mixture. Mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.7, Fat 4, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 150, Carbohydrate 37.7, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 7, Protein 4.9

ISRAELI COUSCOUS, BEAN AND TOMATO SALAD



Israeli Couscous, Bean and Tomato Salad image

Finely chopped tomatoes seasoned with garlic, balsamic vinegar and basil serve as both dressing and vegetable in this main dish salad. I've been making tomato concassée all summer and using it as a sauce for pasta and fish. I decided to use it as a stand-in for salad dressing in this hearty salad, a simple combination of cooked Israeli couscous and beans. I used canned pinto beans, and they were just fine. Chickpeas would also work. Use lots of basil in the mix. The red onion contributes some crunch. You can add a little celery if you want more texture. Make sure to use sweet, ripe, juicy tomatoes. I love the finishing touch of the feta, but it is optional.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     salads and dressings, main course

Time 20m

Yield Serves 4 generously

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 pound ripe, sweet tomatoes, finely chopped (about 1 1/3 cups chopped)
1 plump garlic clove, puréepureed with a little salt or put through a press
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (more to taste)
3 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
2 cups cooked pinto beans (or other beans of your choice) (if using canned beans, drain and rinse)
2 cups cooked Israeli couscous
1/2 to 2/3 cup chopped red onion
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped chives
Freshly ground pepper
Romaine lettuce leaves for serving
Feta cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup, optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine finely chopped tomatoes, garlic, salt, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add beans and Israeli couscous and toss together. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes (or longer).
  • Meanwhile, place chopped onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Soak 5 minutes, drain and rinse. Drain on paper towels and add to couscous and bean mixture. Add basil, chives, and pepper, and toss together.
  • Line plates or a platter with lettuce leaves. Top with salad. Sprinkle feta over the top and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 753, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 129 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 21 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1135 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD, TABBOULEH-STYLE



Israeli Couscous Salad, Tabbouleh-Style image

Provided by Alice Hart

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups (220 grams) Israeli or other large couscous
Salt
3 cups of finely chopped parsley and mint leaves
1 large garlic clove, very finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
4 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 lemons
Black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and stir until it turns a deep golden brown and smells toasted.
  • Add 2 3/4 cups of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until all the water has been absorbed, 10 to 14 minutes. Let cool.
  • Stir the remaining olive oil into the couscous. Add the parsley and mint, garlic, onion, tomatoes and the finely grated zest of one lemon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the juice of both lemons, or to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 540, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 63 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 886 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe ingredients whenever possible.
  • If you don't have Israeli couscous, you can substitute another type of small pasta, such as orzo or pearl barley.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Just be sure to use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
  • This salad is best served chilled, so be sure to make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This Israeli couscous, asparagus, cucumber, and olive salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish, give this salad a try!

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