 |
| My couscous summer raspberry salad |
Couscous
I am not even 100% sure what couscous is. But years ago I had a friend who made a good amount of recipes that included hummus, couscous, and other foods that I might never heard of otherwise. She ate far more healthy than I ever have.
 |
| nutritional information |
Lately, I've missed some of those foods. Twice recently, while trying to address my cravings, I've purchased couscous in the deli section at the store. And twice I was very disappointed. Their idea of couscous was pouring huge amounts of vinaigrette over couscous and calling it done. Their version was far too much "dressing" for me. It was almost like sipping directly from the vinaigrette bottle. Yuck.
I bought some couscous and some feta and hoped I'd find a recipe that would satisfy my hunger.
Refreshing Raspberry and Feta Couscous Salad
I found this Raspberry and Feta Couscous Salad recipe online. It looked easy and delicious. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted it. But I didn't have pine nuts or mixed salad greens. I thought I'd wing it and make my own version which is a risky proposition in my kitchen!
Fortunately, I had fresh raspberries on hand (for smoothies) as well as some raspberry vinaigrette. I read the directions above for guidance then made my own version.
If you need measurements and amounts, you'll want to follow the above recipe. But my version was as follows:
- Prepare the couscous per instructions on the box. When finished, fluff with a fork. Add the smallest squirt of Raspberry Vinaigrette, stir gently, cover and refrigerate.
- Place the following ingredients in a small bowl - cubed feta, thin slices of cucumber, a few fresh raspberries, a big pinch of very finely chopped onion, a big pinch of thinly sliced yellow pepper, a bit of coarsely chopped spinach. Cover and refrigerate.
- After the couscous is chilled, add it to the other ingredients - Fluffing and mixing together gently
- Add another small squirt of raspberry vinaigrette
In hindsight, the only thing I should have also added was mint from my balcony garden. Perhaps I'll make that tomorrow with couscous, watermelon, mint, blueberries, and feta... my version of this recipe.
I have found that I could purchase the same brand of couscous from Amazon at a substantial savings. When I purchased the couscous from the store, I thought it was a bit pricey and thought I'd have to make it as a rare treat. But with the cost savings on the bulk amount on Amazon (same brand) I think I'll have to add this to my regular meal rotation. At least for the remainder of this summer.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
FOLLOW US ON:
Sharing this summery dish idea with my daughter-in-law who loves all the ingredients you feature in your couscous salad. Thanks, Dawn Rae.
ReplyDeleteI hope you let us know if she tries it and likes it. I'm so sad that I ate it all.
DeleteYour salad looks delicious, Dawn! I've been in a warm weather food rut recently, so you can be sure that I'll add this couscous dish to my menu very soon. I'm sure my husband will enjoy it, too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if you like it too. And what ingredients you use. I think it's going to be very versatile... different ingredients for different cravings.
DeleteI'm not very adventurous with food, but I have eaten couscous and loved it. I also have a friend that introduced us to it. She prepared the couscous as a side dish for the salmon that her husband cooked on the grill. It was quite a delicious meal. So, I am halfway there, but I have no idea what feta is. (stop laughing) I looked it up on Wikipedia and found out it is a cheese made from sheeps milk. Next, I need to seek out this raspberry vinaigrette. Funny to think of a salad as adventurous!
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't adventurous..you can try a milder cheese... one that you know you like. I like the more pungent (?) tastier (?) cheeses. I know exactly what you mean by thinking this salad is adventurous...I would have also, if my friend hadn't fed me couscous all those years ago.
DeleteWhat a great combination Dawn. We make couscous as a side for a lot of meals, I never thought of making a salad with it. I'll for sure be trying this one!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOOOooo.. I definitely want to know if you try it...and what ingredients you decide to use. You are far better in the kitchen than I am.
DeleteI'm like you in that I rarely share recipes - Having cooked for so many kids all my life, I find it work and writing about it just feels like more work - glad you shared this recipe, it's right up our alley - my family would enjoy this
ReplyDeleteThank you. It hit the spot so perfectly that I just had to share at least the idea of it. Good thing is so easy that everyone can put their own twist on it.
DeleteLooks like a great summer recipe. I agree with Barbara that writing about how to prepare food just adds to the work. I've done it, and photographed it step by step, but I don't like to do it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great summer recipe. I agree with Barbara that writing about how to prepare food just adds to the work. I've done it, and photographed it step by step, but I don't like to do it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a delicious summer salad, I've never thought about combining raspberries and feta in a dish before.
ReplyDelete