Description
Mediterranean-inspired autumn pearl couscous salad celebrates seasonal harvest with roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and toasted pecans. Warm spices and tangy goat cheese create a delightful balance you’ll savor in each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad
Salad Base:
- 1 cup pearl couscous, cooked
- 1 cup kale leaves, chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash, pan-fried or roasted
Dried Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard (or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper in a small container until thoroughly emulsified, creating a vibrant autumnal dressing.
- Vigorously work chopped kale with a splash of dressing, using fingers to break down the leaves until they become silky and softened.
- Gently fold cooked pearl couscous into the massaged kale, creating a textural base for the salad.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and delicately sliced red onion across the couscous mixture, adding layers of crunch and complexity.
- Integrate roasted butternut squash pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the salad for balanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated and seasoned.
- Allow salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
- Refrigerate any leftovers, which will maintain optimal taste and texture for up to three days.
Notes
- Massaging kale softens its tough texture and enhances flavor absorption, making each bite more delicious and tender.
- Homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, providing a quick flavor boost for multiple meals.
- Roasting butternut squash adds a caramelized sweetness and rich depth to the salad, elevating the overall taste profile.
- Pearl couscous offers a delightful chewy texture and acts as a hearty base, transforming this salad into a satisfying meal.
- Dried cranberries and pecans contribute bursts of tangy sweetness and crunchy texture, creating a balanced and exciting eating experience.
- Meal prep friendly, this salad stays fresh for three days, making it a convenient and nutritious option for busy lifestyles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg