Pearl couscous salad with lemon, asparagus and tomato
Enjoy a refreshing Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon, Asparagus, and Tomato. This light and zesty dish combines tender asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and couscous, tossed with a tangy lemon dressing, fresh parsley, and a hint of black pepper. Perfect for a healthy, vibrant meal any time!
- 11 Mar 2025
- Cook time 15 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 5 Servings
- 9 Ingredients
Welcome to a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for a light lunch or side for your main course. Our Pearl Couscous Salad with Lemon, Asparagus, and Tomato combines tender couscous with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing. It's a delicious and healthy recipe that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water.
- Snap off the tough ends and discard them.
- Cut the asparagus into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Drain and immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a couple of minutes, drain and set aside.
- In another pot, bring water to a boil (check the package for the recommended amount; generally, a 1:1 ratio of water to pearl couscous is good).
- Add 1 dash of salt.
- Stir in the couscous, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Finely chop the onion.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, juice, and zest of 1.5 lemons.
- Add a dash of salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled couscous, blanched asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and chopped onion.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad.
- Give it a final toss to distribute the parsley.
- This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve as a main dish or a side salad to your favorite protein.
Tips:
- Blanch the asparagus: Blanching the asparagus before adding it to the salad ensures it retains its vibrant color and crispness.
- Toast the couscous: Toasting the couscous in a bit of olive oil before boiling can add a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Use fresh lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give the salad a brighter and more vibrant taste compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving will help the flavors meld together nicely.
And there you have it! A delightful Pearl Couscous Salad that's both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of pearl couscous, fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or a perfect accompaniment to your favorite entrée.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 190 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 70kcal | 4% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 3.65g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 16g | 5% |
| Fiber 3.55g | 9% |
| Sugar 3.78g | 4% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 3.04g | 4% |
| Saturated 0.45g | 1% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 50ug | 6% |
| Choline 18mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B1 0.15mg | 13% |
| Vitamin B2 0.12mg | 10% |
| Vitamin B3 1.33mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 0.15mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B9 55ug | 14% |
| Vitamin B12 0.00ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 30mg | 33% |
| Vitamin E 1.12mg | 7% |
| Vitamin K 54ug | 47% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 36mg | 3% |
| Copper, Cu 0.19mg | 21% |
| Iron, Fe 2.02mg | 18% |
| Magnesium, Mg 22mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus, P 60mg | 5% |
| Potassium, K 330mg | 10% |
| Selenium, Se 11ug | 20% |
| Sodium, Na 36mg | 3% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.58mg | 5% |
| Water | |
| Water 170g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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