Couscous Salad with Tangerine Dressing

I was having some homeschool friends over for our regular Friday playdate and wanted a little departures from what we’ve been making lately.  The couscous salad a couple of weeks ago was a big hit, so I thought I’d play off that, but this time I’d use Israeli couscous which is bigger than regular couscous.  I prefer it really, it has such a lovely texture and a tiny bit of tooth to it, like an al dente pasta.

12 scoops of dry Israeli or “grande” couscous

4.5 cups of water (or broth)

Olive Oil

You cook Israeli couscous a little bit differently than regular.  Heat up a heavy bottomed pan and when it’s hot, add a tablespoon or so of olive oil.  When it ribbons, add the couscous and toss and cook till it starts to get a little bit golden brown.

I like it best one some of the pearls are white, some are golden. When the color is how you like it, pour the liquid over them.  Let it come to a boil and then cover and lower the heat.  Follow the package directions, but I find that it takes about 14 minutes covered, and then a couple of minutes uncovered.  Make sure you stir it often so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

When most of the water has evaporated, but the couscous is still very moist, remove from the heat and allow to cool uncovered.

2 bunches of broccoli florets – trimmed and steamed, then shocked

2 cucumbers peeled and chopped

2 handfuls of black olives, chopped

1/2 a red onion diced

1 pint of strawberries hulled and sliced

Assemble in a large, sealable container, add the couscous when it’s cooled.

For the dressing:

juice of three tangerines

2/3 cup white balsamic vinegar

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

combine all the dressing ingredients in a lidded jar and shake well.  Pour over salad.

If I’m being completely honest, I would have to say that next time I’d leave the broccoli out.  Also, I didn’t intend to put strawberries in, but a friend brought the most beautiful strawberries over and I just knew they’d be perfect.  (I was right).  Also, next time I’m going to add chopped shallots to the dressing.Similar Posts:

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