Recipe: Butternut Squash Couscous Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

We love this light couscous salad with winter squash served as a holiday side or weekday lunch.

Ingredients

2 cups couscous, cooked to package directions
1 1/2 – 2 lb butternut squash
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
handful of fresh mint, chopped
Orange Vinaigrette
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the couscous and toss with some olive oil.

Cook the butternut squash: pierce the squash several times with a sharp knife. Place on a plate and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let cool until you can handle it. Cut in half, remove seeds, cut into bite sized pieces trimming off the skin as you go.

Prepare the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a blender or whisk until you have a smooth dressing. Adjust any ingredients to taste. Combine the couscous with the squash, pomegranate, and mint. Toss with dressing or serve the dressing on the side.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Lightened-Up Sesame Chicken with Broccoli & Couscous

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Italian Couscous Salad

My Italian Couscous Salad can easily be one of your main dishes for family meals, picnics, lunch boxes and brunches. Don’t you love when something so delicious can be on the table in minutes?! I do!

Ingredients

1 pound (16 ounces) pearl couscous, cook to package directions
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup grated Romano cheese
1 jar (9.9 ounces/280 g) whole artichoke hearts, drained & gently squeeze water out
4 ounces Genoa or Italian Salami
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh italian parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the couscous & transfer to a bowl, toss with olive oil. Cool to room temperature.

Chop the salami, artichoke hearts & sun-dried tomatoes into small, bite sized pieces.

Combine all the ingredients with the couscous, adjusting any to taste. Serve cold or warm. Best if enjoyed within 3 days.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

~ Marla Meridith