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Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad

Cozy Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Butternut Squash

This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad features roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and pecans, offering a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil Try avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard Substitute with Dijon mustard for a milder taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh juice is best.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Orange Juice Extra lemon juice works too.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Use maple syrup for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar is an alternative.
  • 1 clove Garlic Freshly crushed garlic is best.
  • Salt & Pepper To taste.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Pearl Couscous Swap in gluten-free quinoa if needed.
  • 0.5 cup Dried Cranberries Use dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
  • 0.5 cup Pecans Walnuts or sunflower seeds work for a nut-free option.
  • 1 small Red Onion Thinly sliced; green onion is a milder alternative.
  • 2 cups Kale Leaves Spinach or arugula can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 cup Butternut Squash Sweet potato or roasted beets are great alternatives.

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Pot
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of spicy brown mustard, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake until well blended and smooth.
  2. Take a large bowl and add the chopped kale leaves. Drizzle about a tablespoon of the prepared dressing over the kale. Massage the leaves for about 1-2 minutes until they soften and darken.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add 1 cup of pearl couscous. Cook about 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice 1 cup of butternut squash into small cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  5. In the bowl with the massaged kale, add the cooled pearl couscous, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, the diced red onion, and the roasted butternut squash. Pour about ⅓ cup of the dressing over the mixture and gently toss.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning and dressing as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For busy days, prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for maximum freshness.

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