Pearl couscous salad with roasted apricots, feta, and arugula

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Main Dish
Very Easy
21 min

Here’s a salad that has summer written all over it! With its tender pearl couscous, lightly caramelized roasted apricots, fresh feta, peppery arugula, and crunchy pistachios, this recipe has everything it takes to bring some sunshine to your plate. Fresh, colorful, and full of zing, it’s easy to make and always makes a great impression, whether for a light lunch, a picnic, a barbecue, or a meal with friends. It’s the kind of simple yet original salad you’ll want to make again all summer long! ;)

Ingredients

2

For the apricots:

For the dressing:

Materials

  • Saucepan
  • Air fryer

Preparation

Preparation5 min
Cook time16 min
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 1In a bowl, combine the apricots, which have been washed and cut in half. Add the olive oil, sugar, and rosemary. Mix well.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 2Next, place the apricots in the air fryer basket without letting them overlap, with the hollow side facing up.
    Cook them at 370°F/190°C for about 10 minutes.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 3Prepare the sauce by mixing together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 4Cook the pearl couscous according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 5In a serving dish, combine the pearl couscous, arugula, and roasted apricots.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 6Next, add the crumbled feta, the chopped pistachios, and the sauce.
  • Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Apricots, Feta, and Arugula - Preparation step 7There you go, it's ready ;)

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FAQ ❓

What is pearl couscous, and how is it different from regular couscous?

Pearl couscous, also known as ptitim or Israeli couscous, is made of small wheat balls that are larger than traditional couscous grains. It has a firmer, slightly chewy texture, which makes it ideal for salads. It absorbs sauces well while remaining distinct after cooking.
Yes. If you don’t have pearl couscous, you can substitute bulgur, quinoa, spelt, pearl barley, or even small pasta such as orzo. Choose a base that stays firm after cooking to preserve a good texture.
You can replace the feta with grilled halloumi, mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, burrata, or even a plant-based cheese. Each option will add a different texture while maintaining the balance of sweetness and freshness.
After cooking, rinse the pearl couscous under cold running water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch. You can then add a drizzle of olive oil and gently mix so the grains stay separate.
Yes, this salad is ideal for making a few hours ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and add the arugula just before serving so it stays fresh and doesn’t wilt.
You can use almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds. They’ll all add a crunchy touch that contrasts nicely with the roasted apricots and feta.
This salad can be served on its own for a light lunch or with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or falafel for a more substantial meal. It’s also perfect for a picnic, buffet, or summer barbecue.

Cookware

air fryer

Attributes

Keep refrigerated
Zero waste
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Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe

Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I have been creating culinary content for Petitchef since 2017.
I love travelling and discovering new dishes, trying out new food trends and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a huge fan of pasta and noodles in all their forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking them and even making them from scratch!
I’m currently preparing, filming and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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