The rich, nutty texture of whole wheat pearl couscous is the perfect match for toasted pine nuts, crunch cucumbers and salty feta.
Life is too short to eating 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:
Roasted Beet Salad with Wheat Berries and Toasted Walnuts
Middle Eastern Salad with Lemon, Mint and Garlic
Garlicky Caesar Salad with Shaved Parm
Green Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
Dill Ranch Dressing
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.
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In a medium bowl, combine cooked couscous with cucumber, feta, mint and pine nuts.
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Toss salad with lemon juice, olive oil, za'atar, salt and pepper.
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Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
Salad can be served warm, room temp or cold.
Kim
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!
Liz DellaCroce
My pleasure!! I hope you enjoy it!
The Mistress of Spices
Just made this for the week’s lunches, adding in a chopped red bell pepper. Delicious! So glad that I found your lovely blog :-)
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad to hear – thank you for finding me and saying hi!! Enjoy the salad!
Christy @SweetandSavoring
Just the picture alone is making me hungrier- I’m so excited to make this for my husband! He’s usually not that impressed by salads but I have a feeling this one is different.
The Lemon Bowl
Let me know what he thinks!!! I hope you enjoy as much as we did.