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...
Succotash
Succotash
Combine sweet corn and tender lima beans with okra and tomato to make the perfect side dish of summer or any time of the year. Succotash is a blend of indigenous and African Heritage foods and we thank those who have shared this recipe with Food Hero.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
5 ½ cups
Taco Seasoning
Taco Seasoning
A 5-minute make-ahead recipe filled with the perfect spices for taco night.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Salad
Quick and healthy quinoa salad made with fresh vegetables and a tangy garlic dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Turmeric Lentils and Pasta
Turmeric Lentils and Pasta
A delicious recipe of tender spiced lentils and orzo pasta.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Berry Blast Off
Berry Blast Off
This parfait combines granola, berries and yogurt for the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Simple salad with fresh dill, a creamy dressing and ready in 10 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 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.