An excellent choice is pearl (often labelled Israeli couscous) for this arugula salad. It cooks quickly and gives the salad enough substance to stand on the plate by itself. You could swap the couscous for pasta, quinoa or other cooked grains like barley or wheat berries.
YOU WILL NEED
FOR THE SALAD
- 1 1/2 cups dried pearl (Israeli) couscous (about 3 cups cooked)
- 85g baby arugula or tender salad greens, about 4 cups
- 1/2 hothouse (seedless) cucumber, chopped
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, about 1/2 cup
FOR THE DRESSING
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, about 1/2 large lemon
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or a handful chopped fresh basil leaves, optional
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain then add to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, make the dressing. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, honey, preserved lemon and basil together until it looks thick and blended. Season to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper (we add a generous pinch of each).
- Toss the cooked and drained couscous with the dressing then set aside for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooled slightly. Finish the salad by adding the arugula, cucumbers and feta. Toss well then serve.
Thank you Inspired Taste for this fresh and delicious recipe!