Israeli Couscous & Cucumber Salad
Recipe: #22776
February 06, 2016
Categories: Salads, Side Dishes, Couscous, Mediterranean, Baby Shower, July 4th, Labor Day, Picnic, Potluck Heart Healthy, Kosher, Low Cholesterol, No Eggs, Non-Dairy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fresh Tomatoes, Herbs, more
"A simple light and refreshing salad. It's a perfect summer salad; but, really good any time of the year. And, it also makes a great potluck salad for parties and BBQ's. Now, the only thing with this salad ... the herbs, fresh herbs are a MUST. I actually like to serve this in individual lettuce cups. Prep time does NOT include time for the salad to rest before serving."
Ingredients
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- FOR SALAD
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- FOR VINAIGRETTE
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (605.5 g)
- Calories 631.9
- Total Fat - 16 g
- Saturated Fat - 2.3 g
- Cholesterol - 0.6 mg
- Sodium - 240.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 119.2 g
- Dietary Fiber - 15 g
- Sugars - 59 g
- Protein - 15.9 g
- Calcium - 326.4 mg
- Iron - 7.4 mg
- Vitamin C - 52.4 mg
- Thiamin - 0.4 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Couscous ... Start this first; as, the couscous needs to cool. Simply cook according to package directions; however, I do like to cook mine in vegetable or chicken broth. Once cooked; transfer to a serving bowl to cool.
Step 2
Cucumber ... You can easily use a regular cucumber; but, you will probably need 1-1 1/4 lbs (because it has a lot of seeds that adds to the weight). The seedless cucumber skin is very thin; and very little seeds, which works best. Now, even though it is seedless ... I actually like to cut it in half lengthwise; and run a spoon from to end to end, to remove a few seeds. This is not necessary; but, I like to do it. Then, dice and add to the bowl with the cooled couscous.
Step 3
Salad ... Add the tomatoes, scallions, capers, and all the herbs to the bowl with the couscous and cucumber; and toss.
Step 4
Vinaigrette ... Add the lemon juice, olive oil, celery seed, salt, and pepper; and, mix. I actually like to use a small mason jar or tupperware container; but, you can use a small bowl too. Simply pour over the salad; and toss to combine.
Step 5
Serve and ENJOY! ... Now, I do like to let it rest a good a good 30-60 minutes before serving; but, it isn't necessary. Spoon the salad in the individual lettuce leafs to serve. I like iceberg; but, you can use romaine hearts as well. You want a crisp sturdy lettuce leaf for this. NOTE: If you decide to use romaine hearts; you will probably need 3, to equal 1 large iceberg head. As mentioned - great for BBQ's, potlucks, or entertaining.
Tips
No special items needed.