Refreshing Pearl Couscous Apple Salad With Herbs
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This Pearl Couscous Apple Salad is filled with crisp Granny Smith apples, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon dressing for a wonderfully fresh side dish.
Chewy pearl couscous and crunchy green apples make a lovely combination in this colorful salad. Fresh parsley, dill, mint, and basil add loads of flavor, while a simple lemon-and-olive-oil dressing brings everything together.
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Why You’ll Love This Pearl Couscous Apple Salad Recipe
- Wonderful textures: Tender, chewy couscous pairs beautifully with crisp pieces of fresh apple.
- Packed with fresh herbs: Parsley, dill, mint, and basil add plenty of fresh flavor.
- Bright and zesty: Fresh lemon keeps the dressing light and vibrant.
- Versatile side dish: Serve it alongside chicken, pork, fish, or your favorite vegetarian main.
- Great for entertaining: It’s a colorful addition to fall lunches, dinners, and seasonal gatherings.
Add this fresh apple couscous salad to your fall menu for a tasty change from traditional leafy salads. You’ll find more of our Salad Recipes here.
Pair Couscous Apple Salad With…
Pearl Couscous Apple Salad makes a versatile side dish and pairs particularly well with simply cooked meats and other fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
How Do I Make Pearl Couscous Apple Salad?
Check out the recipe card below—you can print or save it for later—please leave a review and star rating!
Couscous Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- Sea salt to taste
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup Italian parsley chopped
- 1 cup fresh dill chopped
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves chopped
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pearl couscous in lightly salted water following the package directions until al dente. Drain if necessary and set aside.
- Place the apples, parsley, dill, mint, and basil in a large serving bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Add the cooked couscous to the apple and herb mixture, then toss to combine.
- Combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until combined.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve the Couscous Apple Salad immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Pearl couscous is also known as Israeli couscous. Look for the small, round pasta-like pearls rather than traditional fine-grained couscous.
- Cook the pearl couscous until al dente for the best texture in the finished salad.
- Granny Smith apples add a crisp texture and tart flavor that works particularly well with the fresh herbs and lemon dressing.
- Cut the apples shortly before assembling the salad, then toss everything with the lemon dressing to minimize browning.
Substitutions
- If Granny Smith apples aren’t available, use another crisp, tart green apple.
- Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, is widely available in UK supermarkets.
Leftovers & Freezing
- Store leftover Couscous Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
Fresh Fall Flavors
Crisp apples, tender pearl couscous, and plenty of fresh herbs make this salad a refreshing way to enjoy seasonal produce. Serve it alongside your favorite main dish and enjoy!
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