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

Pearl couscous salad with lemon, asparagus and tomato

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:

3/4 lb asparagus
340g
6 oz couscous
170g
1.50 cups cherry tomatoes
220g
1/4 cup onion
40g
1.50 lemon
160g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
2 tbsp fresh parsley
8g
1 dash salt
0.40g
1 dash black pepper
1/10g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the asparagus:
- Rinse the asparagus under cold water.
- Snap off the tough ends and discard them.
- Cut the asparagus into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
2. Cook the asparagus:
- 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.
3. Cook the couscous:
- 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.
4. Prepare the vegetables:
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Finely chop the onion.
5. Make the lemon dressing:
- 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.
6. Combine the ingredients:
- 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.
7. Add the finishing touches:
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad.
- Give it a final toss to distribute the parsley.
8. Serve:
- 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 Size190 grams
Energy
Calories 70kcal4%
Protein
Protein 3.65g2%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 3.55g9%
Sugar 3.78g4%
Fat
Fat 3.04g4%
Saturated 0.45g1%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 50ug6%
Choline 18mg3%
Vitamin B1 0.15mg13%
Vitamin B2 0.12mg10%
Vitamin B3 1.33mg8%
Vitamin B6 0.15mg9%
Vitamin B9 55ug14%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 30mg33%
Vitamin E 1.12mg7%
Vitamin K 54ug47%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 36mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.19mg21%
Iron, Fe 2.02mg18%
Magnesium, Mg 22mg5%
Phosphorus, P 60mg5%
Potassium, K 330mg10%
Selenium, Se 11ug20%
Sodium, Na 36mg3%
Zinc, Zn 0.58mg5%
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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