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Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: A Cozy Harvest Delight

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is a cozy dish filled with seasonal ingredients, capturing the flavors of fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup olive oil Use extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard Dijon can also be used.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice Any citrus juice can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Can replace with white vinegar.
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed) Fresh garlic recommended.
  • salt To taste.
  • pepper To taste.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup pearl couscous (cooked) Cook with vegetable broth for more flavor.
  • 1 cup dried cranberries Pomegranate seeds can be used as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Toast sunflower seeds for nut-free option.
  • 1/2 thinly sliced red onion Soak in water to mellow flavor if desired.
  • 4 cups kale leaves (chopped) Spinach or arugula can be used.
  • 2 cups diced roasted butternut squash Sweet potatoes can be used similarly.

Equipment

  • Medium jar
  • Saucepan
  • Large Bowl
  • Mixing Bowl
  • serving platter

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium jar, combine olive oil, spicy brown mustard, lemon juice, fresh orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until blended.
  2. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add pearl couscous, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, add chopped kale. Drizzle some dressing over kale and massage it for 1-2 minutes until vibrant and slightly wilted.
  4. Add cooled couscous, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced red onion, and diced butternut squash to the kale. Pour in remaining dressing and toss gently.
  5. Transfer to a serving platter and serve cold or at room temperature. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 180mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure to taste the dressing before tossing it and consider letting the salad marinate for deeper flavors.

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