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Pesto Couscous Salad with Mozzarella and Tomatoes

Gorgeous, summery and so easy to make, our Pesto Couscous Salad packed with flavor. We toss pearl couscous with homemade Basil Walnut Pesto, tomatoes, olives and little balls of fresh mozzarella. It's the perfect summer side dish!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 -6
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto more as needed
  • For the Israeli Couscous
  • 2 1/2 cups Israeli couscous also called Pearl couscous
  • olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • 2 scallions finely sliced
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
  • 12 bocconcini mini fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • a few basil leaves for garnish optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Put a kettle on to boil.
  2. In a large heavy pot on medium-high, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the couscous and sauté in the olive oil until it turns a light golden brown (3-4 minutes). Add 3 1/2 cups of boiling water and a large pinch of salt and stir it around. Cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes). It will likely soak up all the water but if there’s any water left, drain it well in a colander and set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool.
  3. When the couscous has cooled, fluff it with a fork and add the olives and scallions. Add 1/4 cup of pesto and toss to coat. If it looks too dry, add more pesto until it’s nicely coated but not laden. Taste for seasoning. Scatter the mozzarella and tomatoes over, garnish with basil leaves and serve.