Jeweltoned Curried Couscous Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a salad that's anything but boring? This curried couscous salad is your answer. Honestly, it's packed with flavour and a surprising burst of sweetness that just makes you smile.
Brief Overview
This couscous salad recipe is a nod to North African flavors. It’s incredibly easy (promise!) and takes about 40 minutes to make, including chill time.
This recipe makes about 4-6 servings. It is a picnic staple !
Main Benefits
It's a great source of fiber and a delightful vegetarian main course . This salad recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or a light lunch .
The curry dressing really makes it special. It's also vegan friendly if you replace honey with maple syrup. You may as well call it a MasterChef meal!
Time to get cooking
Ready to try something new? The curried couscous salad combines fluffy couscous with crunchy veggies and a fragrant dressing. The sweetness of the dried cranberries is balanced by the curry.
It is great for those bank holiday picnics!
The salad is relatively simple to throw together. It's mostly cooking the couscous salad and chopping the veggies. The curry dressing is quick to whisk together!
The ingredients you’ll need are: vegetable broth, couscous, olive oil, salt, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), curry powder, ginger, pepper, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries, cilantro, and slivered almonds.
Curried Couscous Salad can be served with a cucumber raita .
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. For this Curried Couscous Salad , you need a few bits and bobs.
Nothing too fancy, mind. It's all about simple ingredients working in harmony.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Couscous: 1 cup (185g) . I like instant, dead easy, innit?
- Vegetable Broth: 1 ½ cups (285 ml) . Adds flavour, use good stuff.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . For cooking the couscous.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Bring out the flavour.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) . Base for a tangy Curry Dressing.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , freshly squeezed. Makes it zing!
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (or maple syrup for a vegan twist).
- Curry Powder: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) , mild or medium. Your call!
- Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds warmth.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Balances sweetness.
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 ml) . A little kick.
- Cucumber: 1 cup (approx. 150g) , chopped. English cucumber is fab.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 cup (approx. 150g) , chopped. Adds sweetness.
- Red Onion: ½ cup (approx. 75g) , chopped. A bit of bite.
- Dried Cranberries: ½ cup (approx. 75g) . Chewy sweetness.
- Fresh Cilantro: ½ cup (approx. 75g) , chopped. Coriander haters, beware!
- Slivered Almonds: ½ cup (approx. 75g) , toasted. Crunchy goodness, optional.
Honestly, the quality of your curry powder makes a difference. Freshly ground is best, if you can swing it.
Seasoning Notes
Essential is a strong word, but curry powder and ginger are key. A squeeze of fresh lime when serving wakes up the flavours.
If you haven't got fresh cilantro, try parsley, but it won't be quite the same.
Equipment Needed
Just a few basics, no need for a culinary gadget graveyard.
- Medium saucepan with lid. For cooking the couscous.
- Mixing bowl .
- Whisk . For the curry dressing.
- Chef's knife . Sharpish.
- Cutting board . Protect your worktop!
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. That Curried Couscous Salad recipe is very adaptive!
Jewel Toned Curried Couscous Salad: Sunshine in a Bowl
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? This Curried Couscous Salad recipe is seriously amazing. It's like a sunny holiday in a bowl! Think North African vibes meet a classic British picnic mind blowing, right? It's perfect as a light lunch , a star at summer barbecues , or even a vegetarian main course .
It has a mediterranean twist . Honestly, it's destined to become your next picnic staple on a bank holiday .
Difficulty Level: Easy peasy.
Total Time: Around 40 minutes .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Essential mise en place is key to success. Chop all your veggies before you even think about turning on the hob.
It's all about that organized chef life! This salad recipe is made so much easier if you are organized.
Time saving organization tips : Get everything ready before you start. Chop your cucumber , red bell pepper , and red onion .
Measure out those dried cranberries and chop the fresh cilantro . Toast those slivered almonds to perfection, or omit them, if you want a nut-free option .
step-by-step to Curried Couscous Perfection
This curried couscous salad with curry powder is so worth it!
- Cook the couscous. Bring 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of couscous, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes , then fluff.
- Whisk together the dressing. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon curry powder , ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
- Chop those veggies! Get your chef's knife ready and dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Combine everything. In a big bowl, mix the couscous, veggies, dried cranberries , and fresh cilantro .
- Dress it up! Pour the curry dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Chill out. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes . This lets the flavours meld properly. Before serving, sprinkle with slivered almonds .
Pro Tips for a Next Level Salad
Avoid mushy couscous. Don't overcook it! And toast your almonds, they will burn easily.
This indian inspired couscous salad with its curry dressing needs time. Chill it before serving. This easy make-ahead salad benefits from chilling.
But don't dress it too far in advance or it will get soggy.
If you want it vegan , just swap the honey for maple syrup. Job done!
This is one of those cold couscous salad recipes that will make you a star. Enjoy!
Nutritional information: This is an estimation. Calories: Approximately 350 Protein: 8g Fat: 18g Carbohydrates: 45g Fiber: 5g Sugar: 15g
It's a really salad recipe that's worth trying. It's also a great vegetarian main course !
Recipe Notes For Your Best Curried Couscous Salad!
Honestly, this curried couscous salad is so versatile. It's great as a side or even a vegetarian main course ! Here are a few extra tips to make yours shine.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Pop!
Presentation is key! I love piling this couscous salad high on a platter. A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro does wonders.
For summer summer barbecues , serve it alongside grilled halloumi. You could also whip up some cooling cucumber raita on the side.
It's like a mediterranean twist on an indian inspired couscous salad . A glass of crisp white wine goes down a treat too.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
This salad recipe tastes even better the next day. Just remember to store it right! Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container.
It'll happily last for up to 3 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The veggies will get a bit soggy.
When you're ready to serve, give it a good stir. The flavors of the curry dressing really meld together.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a change? Try swapping the cranberries for chopped apricots. Or add some roasted chickpeas for extra protein. To make it a proper vegan recipe , just use maple syrup instead of honey.
You could also add some chopped apple for sweetness. It can also be an easy make-ahead salad . Get creative and use what you have!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!
This curried couscous salad is packed with good stuff! It’s a good source of fiber, thanks to the couscous and veggies.
It has plenty of vitamins too! The almonds add healthy fats. Just watch the honey or maple syrup if you're counting sugars.
It is very good for a light lunch !
I reckon you're ready to make the best curried couscous salad ever! Have fun in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Now go on, give it a go. You might even want to make this your next picnic staple !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this curried couscous salad ahead of time? I'm prepping for a Bank Holiday picnic!
Absolutely! The curried couscous salad actually tastes better after chilling for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. However, avoid adding the dressing too far in advance (more than a few hours) as it can make the salad a bit soggy.
Consider dressing it just before serving or even letting your guests dress their own portions, like a salad bar!
I'm not a big fan of cilantro. Is there anything I can substitute in this curried couscous salad recipe?
No worries, mate! Cilantro (coriander) can be a bit divisive, a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it! You can easily substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a similar herbaceous note. Just use the same amount as the cilantro called for in the recipe.
Help! My couscous is always mushy. What am I doing wrong when making curried couscous salad?
Ah, the dreaded mushy couscous! The key is to avoid overcooking it. Once you add the couscous to the boiling broth (or water), stir it just once, cover the saucepan, and remove it from the heat immediately. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it gently with a fork.
Resist the urge to stir it excessively, as this can also contribute to the mushiness.
I'm vegan. Can I still enjoy this curried couscous salad?
Definitely! The recipe is easily adaptable to be fully vegan. Simply substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar. That’s all there is to it! You might even find it tastes even better with the slightly deeper flavor of maple syrup.
What other veggies can I add to this curried couscous salad? I'm feeling adventurous!
Get creative! This curried couscous salad is a great base for all sorts of additions. Try adding chopped carrots, zucchini, or even some roasted sweet potatoes for extra sweetness. A handful of spinach or kale would also add some extra nutrients and a lovely green color. Think of it as your blank canvas!
How long does leftover curried couscous salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover curried couscous salad will generally last for 3-4 days. After that, the texture may start to deteriorate and the flavors might not be as vibrant.
As always, use your best judgement and discard it if you notice any signs of spoilage like a sour smell.
Jeweltoned Curried Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |