Sunshine in a Bowl: My Favorite Fruity Couscous Summer Salad!

  

Summer is officially here in Ewing, and that means it's time for light, refreshing, and utterly delicious meals! While grilled burgers and hot dogs have their place, sometimes you just crave something bright and vibrant. That's where this Fruity Couscous Summer Salad comes in. It's the perfect blend of savory and sweet, hearty yet light, and bursting with all the fresh flavors of the season. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

 

Why This Salad Will Be Your Summer Go-To:

 

Sweet & Savory Harmony: The tender couscous provides a lovely base, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of fresh fruit and a zesty dressing.

Quick & Easy: Couscous cooks in minutes, and the rest is just chopping and mixing. Perfect for busy summer days!

Highly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic template. Swap out fruits, add nuts or cheese – the possibilities are endless.

Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber from the couscous and vitamins from the fruit, it's a healthy and satisfying meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep: It holds up well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Image:

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Fruity Couscous Summer Salad Recipe

This salad is designed to be flexible, so feel free to play with the fruits and herbs based on what's fresh and in season!

 

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes (for couscous)

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Salad:

 

1 cup dry couscous (regular or whole wheat)

1 cup boiling water or vegetable broth

1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), halved or quartered if large

1 cup diced cantaloupe or honeydew melon

1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional, for extra crunch and freshness)

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint or basil (or a mix!)

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but adds a lovely salty tang)

1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:

 

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

 

Cook the Couscous: Place the dry couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water or vegetable broth over the couscous, stir once, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let sit for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing: While the couscous is cooling, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, mixed berries, diced melon, diced cucumber (if using), chopped fresh mint/basil, crumbled feta (if using), and toasted nuts (if using).

Dress and Toss: Pour the lemon-honey vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the couscous and fruits are evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill (Optional): For best results and maximum refreshment, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve: Serve chilled as a delightful side dish or a light main course.

Tips and Variations:

 

Fruit Power: Don't limit yourself to berries and melon! Try diced peaches, nectarines, cherries, grapes, or even kiwi.

Go Savory: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey in the dressing and increase the lemon juice.

Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add cooked and chilled grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans.

Grain Swap: Not a fan of couscous? This recipe works beautifully with quinoa, farro, or even leftover pasta.

Herb It Up: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a unique flavor profile.

Nutty Crunch: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios can add a wonderful textural contrast.

This Fruity Couscous Summer Salad is a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the fresh bounty of summer. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite fruit combinations in the comments below! Happy summer cooking!