Moroccan Couscous Salad
Moroccan Couscous Salad combines the earthy, nuttiness of couscous with the bold flavors of the kiwano vinaigrette. Light and fluffy couscous is tossed with shallot, tomato, and parsley. The star of this dish is the kiwano or horned melon pulp in the vinaigrette that ties this dish together. Kiwano pulp is whisked with ripe tamarind pulp, spices, and olive oil. The Moroccan couscous soaks up the aromatic blend of spices in the tangy vinaigrette, resulting in a dazzling fusion of flavors and textures. This salad makes a great side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing summer treat!
Equipment
- blender, bowl, by hand
Ingredients
For the kiwano vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup kiwano juice pulsed and strained
- 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- ½ tsp cayenne powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp ginger minced
- ¾ tsp salt
For the Moroccan Couscous Salad:
- 1 cup couscous cooked with salt
- ½ cup chickpea cooked
- 1 shallot chopped
- 1 tomato deseeded, chopped
- 2 sprig parsley chiffonade
- 2 tbsp toasted whole almond chopped
Instructions
How to make the kiwano vinaigrette:
- Prepare the ingredients.
- Scoop out the kiwano flesh, pulse it in a blender, and strain it.
- Add the remaining ingredients for the kiwano vinaigrette to a bowl and whisk them.
How to make the Moroccan Couscous Salad:
- Place the salad ingredients in a bowl. Use a wooden fork and spoon and mix them.
- Drizzle the kiwano vinaigrette and toss until combined.
- Serve warm or cold, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Do not overcook the couscous. You can steam it, add it to boiling water, and turn off the heat or cook it in a rice cooker. Turn off the rice cooker once it switches to the warm mode to prevent the couscous from getting browned on the bottom.
- Add enough vinaigrette to the couscous without drenching the Moroccan Couscous Salad. The couscous will absorb some of the liquids, so taste test and adjust according to your preference.
- Fresh veggies will make the salad crisp while toasted almonds will give it a satisfying crunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 446mgPotassium: 262mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 411IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
