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Fresh Summer Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

fresh summer pearl couscous salad - featured image
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A light, refreshing, and vibrant pearl couscous salad featuring warm roasted cherry tomatoes and a bright citrus-herb dressing, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pearl couscous (about 170g)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 300g)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (about 10 leaves)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (about 10 leaves)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75g), optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Optional add-ins: toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, diced cucumber

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat and spread in a single layer.
  2. Roast tomatoes for 20-25 minutes until soft, slightly caramelized, and blistered.
  3. While tomatoes roast, bring 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add pearl couscous, stir, cover, and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until tender but chewy.
  4. Drain excess water from couscous, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of black pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked couscous, roasted cherry tomatoes with their juices, diced red onion, and fresh herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine without breaking couscous pearls.
  7. Fold in crumbled feta cheese lightly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  8. Let salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to serve chilled.

Notes

Do not overcrowd tomatoes when roasting to ensure proper caramelization. Use gentle folding motions to avoid crushing couscous. The salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For gluten-free, substitute couscous with quinoa or millet. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pearl couscous salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, summer salad, fresh herbs, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, light meal

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/fresh-summer-pearl-couscous-salad-recipe-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes-easy-perfect-for-summer/