A light and colorful salad combining sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables with couscous pasta.
Couscous Salad

Ingredients
¾ cup dry couscous
⅓ cup dried cranberries
1 cup boiling water
½ cup low-fat Italian salad dressing
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
2 green onions, sliced
¾ cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained and rinsed) (see Notes)
¼ cup chopped toasted pecans (or other nuts)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Put the couscous and cranberries in a large bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the mixture. Cover and let stand until just warm, about 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate.
- Add dressing and mix lightly.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and toss lightly to mix.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
- Cook frozen peas according to package directions or to 165 degrees F.
- To toast nuts, spread on a baking sheet or pan and heat in a 350 degree F oven for about 10 minutes, depending on the size of the nuts. Watch closely to avoid scorching.
- Salad may be refrigerated for up to a day after adding the dressing. When ready to serve, add the vegetables and nuts.
- What is Couscous? Couscous is small pellets that are usually shaped from a wheat flour mixture, then pre-cooked and dried. It can be found in many bulk food sections and in packages along the pasta aisle. Try whole-grain couscous.
You might also like...
Prepare:
5 Min
Cook:
5 Min
Makes:
8 cups
Creamy Fruit Salad

Creamy Fruit Salad
Quick and easy snack or side dish with apples, bananas and pineapple. Easy to customize with your favorite fruits!
Prepare:
10 Min
Makes:
4 cups
Brocco Poppers

Brocco Poppers
A fun and unique way to add more veggies to your day. A tasty snack or appetizer!
Prepare:
20 Min
Cook:
15 to 20 Min
Makes:
20 pieces
Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts
Sauteed Brussels sprouts with a creamy lemon and dill sauce.
Prepare:
15 Min
Cook:
10 Min
Makes:
2 Cups
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie

Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 Min
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)
Quick and healthy breakfast with hearty oats, and creamy yogurt topped with crunchy walnuts.
Prepare:
5 Min
Makes:
5 cups
Comments
Josephine County 5th graders Kids Tasting Comments for Couscous Salad:
This salad is as pretty as it is tasty. It's even better the next day -- the cukes are still crunchy, and the flavors have blended together nicely.
Yummy! This is my "go to" lunch recipe.