CousCous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries
User Reviews
4.4
-
Cuisine
American, Vegetarian
CousCous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries
Description
CousCous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries uses pearl couscous cooked to tenderness and fluffed before mixing with chopped dried fruits and pistachios. Fresh mint offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet-dried fruit, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The salad is dressed with a shaken vinaigrette featuring olive oil, shallots, Dijon mustard, golden balsamic vinegar, honey, and seasoning, which harmonizes the components with sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
The texture blends the chewy grain with crunchy nuts and soft fruit pieces. You can serve it warm for a comforting side or allow it to chill for up to an overnight to meld flavors, making it adaptable for different serving occasions.
This dish fits well alongside grilled proteins or as part of a vegetarian spread, bringing a balance of textures and sweet-savory complexity that can complement a variety of meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Israeli couscous or pearl couscous
- 2 cups dried fruit such as apricots, cranberries or dried cherries, chopped into bite size pieces
- ¾ cup pistachio chopped
- ¼ cup mint chopped
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallot minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons golden balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons honey to taste
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the couscous according to the package directions. Fluff the couscous and add it to a large bowl with the chopped fruit, pistachios and mint. To a small mason jar, add the olive oil, shallots, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a few pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shake the dressing well and add more honey and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the coucous mixture, and stir to combine. The salad can be eaten warm or cold. If cold, allow 1-2 hours up to overnight in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.