Basil Couscous Salad
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Basil Couscous Salad
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This Basil Couscous Salad with a simple homemade dressing is perfect for baby showers, family get-togethers, potlucks and parties, or almost any occasion. The flavors and textures are perfectly balanced and it is super easy to throw together and double when you need to feed a crowd. Pair it with some grilled chicken or tri tip and dinner is served!
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Ingredients
Salad
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce (about 12-15 cups chopped or 2 medium heads)
- 2 cups fresh white or yellow corn cooked and cut off the cob (see note)
- 1 cup craisins
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Pepitas
Dressing
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3-4 green onions roughly chopped
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the water, olive oil, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the pearl couscous, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender, then drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Remove from heat and break up the couscous so it isn't too clumped together, then cool completely before using in the salad. This can be done a day or two ahead.
- Wash, dry, and chop the lettuce. I like to run mine through a salad spinner. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.
- Cook the corn using your favorite method (I usually grill mine), then let it cool and cut it off the cob. If using frozen corn, there is no need to cook it or thaw it first. You can just add it straight from the freezer to the salad.
- Combine the basil leaves, mayonnaise, green onions, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper in a blender. Blend well until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- To assemble, add the lettuce, craisins, parmesan cheese, pepitas, cooled couscous, and corn to a large salad bowl. Drizzle with about half of the dressing and toss. I usually like to reserve a handful of the craisins, parmesan pepitas, couscous and corn for sprinkling over the top of the salad after tossing to showcase what is in it. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side.
Notes
- Substitutions and Variations: This salad is also great with cucumbers and tomatoes. You can also add a protein like grilled or rotisserie chicken.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the dressing and salad components 1-2 days ahead, then combine and toss shortly before serving. I don't recommend tossing the salad with the dressing any sooner than 1-2 hours before serving as the lettuce tends to get soggy after a while.
- Storage: Like most salads, this one doesn't keep well once everything has been combined. Instead, store the components separately until ready to combine and serve.
- Corn: If fresh corn isn't available, you can use frozen corn kernels. There is no need to thaw them first or cook them. Just throw them in the salad frozen and by the time you are ready to serve they should be perfect.
- This recipe is on page 128 of my cookbook, House of Nash Eats Everyday!
Nutrition Information
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Calories
463kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
42g
(14%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
29g
(45%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
14g
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
27mg
(9%)
Sodium
742mg
(31%)
Potassium
274mg
(8%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
16g
(32%)
Vitamin A
641IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
165mg
(17%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 463 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 463kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14g | 82% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 742mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 274mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 641IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 165mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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