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Spring Greens Couscous Salad



 

The Spring season brings amazing green vegetables which this salad celebrates! Couscous is a lovely compliment to all of the fresh, crisp vegetables and the pesto dressing brings all of the flavours together. Enjoy as a side dish for dinner or a full meal for lunch. Also would work wonderfully for a picnic!






Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
5 Radishes, sliced thin and in half
¾ cup snap peas, cut in half or thirds
2 cups arugula
1 cup Mini bocconcini cheese, cut in half (save ¼ cup for garnishing)
⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted
¼ cup chopped basil

Pesto Dressing:
¾ cup prepared pesto
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Servings: 4 as a main for lunch; 6 side dish servings
Preparation: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kitchen Equipment: medium pot, small frying pan, small sheet pan, large salad bowl



Method

  1. Make couscous according to package directions and set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 425F.
  3. Trim 1 inch off the ends of the asparagus, then slice asparagus stalks into 1 inch pieces.
  4. Toss asparagus with ½ tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until just fork tender - you want a bit of crunch still. Remove asparagus pieces from pan into a bowl to cool.
  5. Heat a small frying pan to medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Cook stirring often until lightly browned and toasted, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
  6. Prep remaining ingredients: slice snap peas in half; slice radishes; slice mini bocconcini cheese balls in half; slice basil into strips.
  7. To assemble the salad in a large bowl toss couscous with asparagus, snap peas, radishes and half of the pesto. Then, toss once more adding the remaining pesto, arugula, lemon juice, mini bocconcini cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Top with toasted almonds and basil for garnish.


Recipe Pro Tips:

  • Want to make this salad ahead of time? Everything can be tossed together except leave the arugula out until you’re ready to serve then add it in.
  • Want to take this salad for a picnic? Everything can be tossed together, then just put the arugula on top of the salad and toss just before eating.






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  • LITTLE ITALY

    • 10878 95 Street
      Edmonton, AB
      780 424 4869

SOUTHSIDE

5028 104a Street NW

Edmonton, AB

780 989 4869

  • WEST END

    • 17010 90 Avenue
      Edmonton, AB
      780 454 4869
  • SHERWOOD PARK

    • 700 8005 Emerald Dr
      Sherwood, AB
      780 416 4869

  • WILLOW PARK

    • 9919 Fairmount Dr SE
    • Calgary, AB
      403 238 4869

Corporate Customer Service
780-424-4869 x.351 (Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm) or [email protected]


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