Description
A fruity and nutty Cranberry Couscous Salad featuring toasted pecans, fresh mint, and a honey apple cider vinegar dressing. This refreshing side dish is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with pork, chicken, or turkey.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 can (15 ounce) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 1/2 cup uncooked couscous
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 3 medium)
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat broth and spices: In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth with dried cranberries, cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin until it comes to a boil.
- Cook couscous: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
- Toast pecans: Place pecans on a small baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Set aside.
- Fluff and chill couscous: Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, breaking up any clumps, then refrigerate for 30 minutes until chilled.
- Prepare dressing: Whisk together vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey to form the dressing.
- Combine salad: Fluff the couscous again, then add toasted pecans, chopped green onions, and mint leaves. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly before serving.
Notes
- This salad is a refreshing and different side dish that complements pork, chicken, or turkey.
- Be careful when toasting pecans under the broiler to prevent burning.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to taste depending on your sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 222 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
