Total Time:
25 minutes
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This colorful and delicious Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad is super easy to prepare and it's the perfect healthy side dish for everyday or special occasions!
Since our last three posts were focused on all things cupcakes, I thought it was time to swing over to the healthy, savory side. But don’t worry, this Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad is as exciting and pretty as a whole platter of cupcakes! Loaded with a beautifully-hued array of delicious ingredients, it will be a perfect side for all the fall celebrations and get-together’s coming up.
I spotted this Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad a while ago in Pinterest and fell in love with it's simplicity and beautiful presentation. A few days ago, as I pulled salmon out of the freezer to thaw for dinner, I remembered the salad and knew it would be a perfect accompaniment.
The original recipe calls for bulgur, but I had a large container of couscous in the pantry and decided it would be a great substitution. If you’re not familiar with couscous, it’s a tiny grained pasta that has origins dating back to 9th century Morocco.
If you need a quick, easy meal, couscous is a great solution. It's steamed, then dried before it's packaged so it doesn't need cooking. Just a short soak in hot water (or broth) and it's ready to enjoy. Couscous's mild flavor makes it a blank pallet that works well with lots of different combinations of ingredients.
This Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad is quite simple. A splash of fresh lemon juice and olive oil make up the dressing. Sliced scallions and generous handful of fresh parsley and mint give the salad a burst of bright flavor. Plump golden raisins and jewel-hued pomegranates add a touch of sweetness and make for a gorgeous presentation.
You're going to love this Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad, and I think you'll find it goes well with so many grilled, roasted and/or pan-seared entreés. Have a get-together coming up with family or friends? A party at work? This beautiful salad will be sure to please guests of all ages and bring lots of rave reviews!
Deseeding a pomegranate? Not to worry - we've got you covered!
Tip: Intimated by pomegranates? Here's a super simple tutorial on how to de-seed a pom - no mess, no water!
P.S. Scott and I are in London, visiting our daughter and her family. We arrived early yesterday morning, weary after an all night flight. The four cheerful little faces that greeted us made the long trip worth every minute! We'll be sharing more from London coming up. Cheers!
LOTS OF PEOPLE ASK WHAT KIND OF COOKWARE, SMALL APPLIANCES, CUTLERY, ETC. I USE IN THE KITCHEN. HERE’S WHAT I USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE.
Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad
Super easy to prepare, this Pomegranate Parsley Couscous Salad is the perfect healthy side for everyday and special occasions.
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 198 kcal
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
- 2 teaspoons apple juice orange juice or water
- 1 cup dry couscous
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 scallions thinly sliced on the bias
- ½ cup parsley leaves chopped
- ¼ cup mint leaves chopped
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds*
Instructions
-
Place golden raisins and juice (or water) in a small microwave-safe container. Cover with plastic wrap and cook in microwave for 30 seconds on high power. Remove from microwave and set aside. (This will rehydrate raisins, making them plump and delicious.)
-
In a medium bowl, combine couscous and salt. Add boiling water, stir and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. Uncover, add butter and stir with a fork till fluffy.
-
Whisk together lemon juice and olive oil and pour over warm couscous. Stir well.
-
Add scallions, parsley, mint and golden raisins. Stir to combine.
-
Taste and season with a bit more salt, if needed and a generous grind of fresh black pepper.
-
Scatter pomegranate seeds over top of salad. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
*Intimated by pomegranates? Here's a super simple tutorial on how to de-seed a pom - no mess, no water!
Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart
Calories 198kcal
Fat 5g
Saturated fat 1g
Cholesterol 1mg
Sodium 402mg
Potassium 200mg
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 7g
Protein 4g
Vitamin A 600%
Vitamin C 12.4%
Calcium 28%
Iron 1%
Nancy Delahooke says
I have avocados, a couple persimmons, and apples. I will be taking a green salad to a potluck, possibly
using these ingredients. What would be a simple fresh dressing. Nancy
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nancy, for a simple dressing, I love just a drizzle of good olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction (you can buy it at most large grocery stores). Add a good pinch of sea salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Very yummy!
Danielle says
Hi Chris looks so pretty I'm going to try it have a wonderful time in Lond with your family!!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Such a vibrant and beautiful salad, Chris! I foresee this being on rotation all winter long!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I don't think any of us would object to pomegranate in a cupcake. But wow, this salad looks wonderful! Tons of color, and tons of flavor, I'll bet. Very nice -- thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
It is truly a flavor blast John! It tastes as good as it looks!
Susan says
How lucky are we that pomegranate arils are so readily available now. Although seeding a pomegranate brings back childhood memories of home and my mom 🙂 Beautiful salad, Chris! Enjoy London and your family!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Susan! We are loving every adventure-filled minute!
Adina says
Such a beautiful looking salad! I will keep this in mind, I make something similar with bulgur, but I would like to try some new flavors.
Chris Scheuer says
It's so light and delicious Adina! I made it last night for our daughter and son-in-law and everyone cleaned the platter!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
This is a jewel box of a salad! Have a great trip!
Chris Scheuer says
Abbe, that's the perfect way to describe it! Thanks for your best wishes, we are having a wonderful time!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Oh boy what a great salad! I love the colors and all the fresh herbs. I am so ready for all things pomegranate! Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Tricia! Everywhere we go, even in London, poms are abundant and available!
Wendy says
The flavors and colors of this salad pop right out at you! I love the sweet fruit with savory ingredients that is part of many Moroccan dishes. I am looking forward to the upcoming photos of your current British adventure! Enjoy!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Wendy! Scott is snapping away, so it won't be long!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I can't think of a prettier salad for the Thanksgiving table, have a blast in Britain Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sue! We truly are. Even if it's just a simple thing like walking them all to school, so precious!
Ginny Hartzler says
Yes! Pictures of London and your beautiful grandchildren will be coming our way! I will call this The Christmas Salad! Beautiful shimmering red and green.
Chris Scheuer says
It definitely has the holiday colors, doesn't it Ginny?
Monique says
Have a ball!!!
Salad looks delish!
Chris Scheuer says
We can’t help but have a ball over here Monique! There’s never a dull moment with these little ones!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Lovely salad and love all the flavours with the couscous ! Have a wonderful trip 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Jennifer! I think pomegranate arils make everything look prettier!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Made something quite similar with quinoa....but I must say that yours look so much cuter and tastier :-))
Happy Sunday, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Angie! You too!