Israeli Couscous Salad w/ Asparagus and Feta
My initial plan was to make this salad using farro, but I couldn't get my hands on any so I turned to the cupboard for a convenient alternative.
I wanted to use a heartier grain or rice and thought Israeli couscous would do the job. Couscous is really just another form of pasta (it's like really little pasta balls). The only difference between Israeli couscous and regular couscous is the size. Israeli couscous is bigger and the size makes for a great texture (just be sure to cook your couscous like you would your pasta... al dente!).
This recipe is from one of my bootcamp students (have I ever told you guys that I teach bootcamp?). I was so excited to see that one of the ingredients was asparagus since it is the Food Focus this month! She made the salad with the farro and loved it, so if you can manage to get your hands on some farro definetly try it!
Another thing I really liked about this recipe is the vinegar. Sherry vinegar brings a whole new layer of flavor to this salad and I really don't think it would as delicious without it.
Israeli Couscous Salad w/ Asparagus and Feta
Ingredients
2 ½ cups cooked Israeli couscous, cooked (barley or farro would work too)2 bunches of asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2 –inch pieces
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ cup of dill, chopped
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup of Sherry wine vinegar
½ cup of reduced fat feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
Cook couscous according to package.
Meanwhile, steam asparagus for about four minutes or until just tender. Combine couscous, asparagus, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
In a small bowl whisk together oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and combine. Finish by stirring in feta and dill…Enjoy!
Serves 6.
Nutritional Analysis
Calories: 196; Total Fat: 8.4g; Saturated Fat: 1.9g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 15mg; Carbohydrate: 26.9g; Dietary Fiber: 4.5g; Sugars: 7.2g; Protein: 7.7gOther Recipes You May Enjoy:
Salmon, Basil, and Quinoa Salad
Fall Harvest Salad (video)
Squash and Ties (video)
Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets (video)
Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata
- Filed under Dinner, Grains & Rice, Lunch, Salads, Sides, Vegetarian
- Tagged with Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Israeli Couscous
- Print this recipe
- 14 comments
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Comments
Anticiplate :
I have been wanting to make farro as well (maybe in a risotto like fashion). This recipe looks great though, and very summery. Did you make your cous cous with chicken stock?
posted on April 22, 2008 6:25 AM
Dani :
Anticiplate - I didn't use chicken stock but I'm sure it would be great.
posted on April 22, 2008 6:42 AM
Kaman :
Do you know if there is such a thing as whole wheat couscous?
posted on April 22, 2008 12:48 PM
Dani :
Kaman - Yes, there is! I have seen it at whole foods and even some regular grocery stores as well.
posted on April 22, 2008 1:33 PM
Nicole :
Sounds great! I've never tried sherry vinegar or Israeli couscous but it's time I branch out and stock up on a few new pantry items!
posted on April 22, 2008 1:54 PM
Dani :
Nicole - Pantry items can be a life saver, huh?! I think you'll really like the sherry vinegar...it was GOOD!
posted on April 22, 2008 7:23 PM
Ravi :
Boot camp? For food? How does that work?
posted on April 22, 2008 10:25 PM
valeria :
This is great, but here in Italy I've never seen sherry wine vinegar. what about apple vinegar ? or is there something that would work better ? Thank you ! valeria
posted on April 23, 2008 12:29 AM
Dani :
Ravi - No silly!! Boot Camp is an outdoor fitness program:).
Valeria - Really? That suprises me. I think apple cider vinegar would be a good substitution.
posted on April 23, 2008 6:25 AM
Kevin :
I like the texture of Israeli couscous. That salad sounds really tasty especially with the feta.
posted on April 23, 2008 3:50 PM
jude :
Hi Dani, I couldn't find Israeli couscous so ironically had to use farro, and thanks this was delicious!
posted on April 27, 2008 1:34 PM
Dani :
Jude - I'm so glad you liked it and a little jealous that you got to have it with farro:)
posted on April 27, 2008 7:25 PM
Sharona May :
Looks like a wonderfufl summer dish. Fresh and healthy.
Sharona May
posted on April 28, 2008 9:16 AM
Dani :
Sharona May - I hope you get to try it:).
posted on April 29, 2008 1:59 PM