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Couscous Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette

    The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers, and salty feta.

    Couscous Salad

    Life is too short to eat boring salads. Is a garden salad with grilled chicken healthy? Of course. Does it get old after a few days? You betcha’!

    If you’re stuck in a salad rut, I urge you to think outside of the bowl and get creative. Lettuce-based salads are a regular in our house but as the growing season winds down here in Michigan, I like to fill my salad bowl with heartier ingredients such as roasted beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

    Regardless of the month, I urge you to let the season guide your bowl to maximize flavor and health benefits. Here are a few of my favorite salads and homemade dressing recipes:

    Today’s recipe contains za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that contains thyme, oregano, sumac and toasted sesame seeds. Various versions are sold in Middle Eastern markets or online.

    Your fork is waiting.

    Couscous Salad

    Couscous Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette

    5 stars average
    The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers and salty feta.
    PREP: 5 mins
    COOK: 20 mins
    TOTAL: 25 mins
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 c whole wheat pearl couscous (repared according to package directions such as Bob’s Red Mill)
    • 2 c English cucumber (diced)
    • c feta (crumbled)
    • ¼ c fresh mint (minced)
    • 3 tbs pine nuts (toasted in dry pan)
    • 2 tbs lemon juice
    • 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tbs za’atar
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, combine cooked couscous with cucumber, feta, mint and pine nuts.
    • Toss salad with lemon juice, olive oil, za’atar, salt and pepper.
    • Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

    Notes

    Salad can be served warm, room temp or cold.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 33.4gProtein: 8.1gFat: 9.7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.7gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 430mgFiber: 4.9gSugar: 1.8g

    SHOW AND TELL ON INSTAGRAM!Show me your creation and rate it below! Mention @thelemonbowl or tag #thelemonbowl! I would LOVE to see!
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    Liz DellaCroce

    Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food blog. Since 2010, Liz has been sharing delicious recipes that just so happen to be healthy. By using real ingredients with an emphasis on seasonality, Liz has built a growing audience of loyal readers who crave good food for their families. Click Here To Subscribe to my newsletter:

    4 Comments

    1. Oh my goodness. At first I thought it was lentils in the salad. I love Za’atar and am so glad I came across these recipes and your blog!

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