Dried Fruit Couscous Salad

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup couscous

  • 1 ¼ cups boiling water

  • ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped

  • ¼ cup raisins

  • ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste




PREPARATION

  1. Prepare the Couscous: Place the couscous in a large bowl. Pour 1 ¼ cups of boiling water over the couscous, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

  2. Rehydrate the Dried Fruits: In a small bowl, combine the dried apricots and raisins. Pour boiling water over the dried fruits and let them soak for 5 minutes. Then drain the dried fruits.

  3. Mix the Ingredients: Add the rehydrated apricots, raisins, ¼ cup of toasted slivered almonds, sliced green onions, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley to the fluffed couscous. Gently mix.

  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Season the Salad: Pour the dressing over the dried fruit couscous salad and mix well to coat all the ingredients.

  6. Let it Rest: Cover the bowl of couscous salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

  7. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the flavors. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

    Enjoy: Serve the dried fruit couscous salad as a side dish with a main course or as a light meal for a refreshing summer lunch or dinner.