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Simply Delicious

Couscous

SidesQuickEasy

Time: 22 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

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About

Couscous is the lightest, fluffiest, and most flavorful pasta you’ve ever tasted, which amazes everyone who tries it! Paired with a fresh garden salad with sharp feta cheese, Couscous is irresistible—especially with a bright and tangy dressing. Nestled next to steak kebabs, grilled fish, and chicken breasts, this side dish really makes a statement: “yum!”

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Ingredients

  • For the couscous:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup dried pearl or Israeli couscous
  • 1 1/3 cups water
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the salad:
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into coins
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped or torn
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, optional

Directions

Step 1 -Add the olive oil in a medium saucepan on the stove-top over medium heat.

Step 2 -Add the couscous and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The couscous will become a golden brown.

Step 3 -Add the water and stir.

Step 4 -Increase the heat to high.

Step 5 -Just when the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.

Step 6 -Allow to cook until the liquid has been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7 -Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 8 -In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper, whisking or shaking until fully combined.

Step 9 -In a large salad bowl, add the cooled couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives.

Step 10 -Drizzle the salad with the prepared dressing and toss to combine.

Step 11 -Top with the feta, herbs, and pine nuts, tossing once more to combine everything.

Step 12 -Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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