When the days turn into an endless torture when the sun is hitting beyond crazy and when you turn into a steaming dumpling, that’s when you know you didn’t escape the heat!
So what does one do in this case, besides complaining endlessly that it is hot and draining?
You help yourself with digestible food treats, right?
What would be better than something cooling for your stomach but also something nutritious so that you still have enough energy to master your busy days.
That’s when salads proof to be useful and a blessing.
Anyway, I noticed that I hadn’t posted my couscous salad with lemon dressing so this is the right time for an informal food introduction.
I grew up eating couscous and I think so for a while I was the only one in primary school who did so.
Couscous is a traditional North African/Mediterranean side dish and since some of the former French colonies were situated in North Africa, the humble couscous dish found a place in the french foodie hearts.
Couscous, small semolina granules, can be counted as a very popular side dish in France and in the past 20 years it has gained favor amongst the rest of the world.
There are two types of couscous, the north African fine granules, and the way larger Israeli Couscous granules.
I have never tasted or tried to cook with the Israeli version since it’s not that common in Europe so I can’t tell you anything about this one.
Couscous is versatile and nutritious.
I often compare it to rice.
Just imagine the countless rice dish variations in this world, the same can be done with couscous.
So that means, it’s just not only a plain boring side dish, no, it can also be turned into exciting stand-alone dishes and also sweet flavorful desserts.
Today I am just going to do this by introducing you to a new concept of using commonly available ingredients with couscous.
It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for long hot summer days.
The Couscous salad with lemon dressing can be cooled in the fridge before you indulge it, at least that’s what I do these days.
Couscous is a great change from a common rice and bread diet and a diet with various food ingredients can only benefit your health in the long run.
Also, couscous tastes great and you can use it in so many ways and I will certainly post more couscous recipes here in the future.
Similar Recipes
Cold Couscous Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1½ cup Water
- 3.5 ounces Couscous
- 1 Tomato
- 1 Cucumber
- Cilantro to garnish
For the Dressing:
- juice of one lime
- 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- pinch Salt
- pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the couscous soft with the water, strain when cooked and leave to cool.
- Cut your tomato and cucumber into small dice size.
- Add the tomato and cucumber to the couscous and mix.
- For the dressing mix all ingredients together.
- Pour dressing over couscous salad and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Kitchen Belleicious says
i cook with couscous all of the time and just love it. I need to try that dressing over it thought. it sounds delicious
Ramona says
Now that’s one beautiful and hearty salad! 🙂 Love the addition of the paneer. 🙂
easyfoodsmith says
The paneer in couscous is really interesting and I am going to try this for sure. The lemon dressing sounds perfect with it.
Purabi Naha | Cosmopolitan Currymania says
Helene, this is a wonderful couscous recipe. Just perfect for the summers, this salad with paneer is just perfect for my palate. Beautiful clicks!
wok with ray says
I love couscous and I love the simplicity of your dressing. Have a good weekend, Helene!
Eva Taylor says
Couscous is pretty inexpensive in Canada, even so I did buy some when we were in Morocco a few years ago. Combining couscous with paneer is rather clever and the lemony dressing sounds delicious.
Minnie@thelady8home says
Couscous is a relatively new ingredient in the Indian subcontinent, but I have no doubt it will catch up very soon. Light and refreshing, this couscous paneer salad looks beautiful.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I like couscous if it’s got stuff in it but plain couscous doesn’t do it for me. I would love this couscous recipe!
Choc Chip Uru says
Your couscous looks so refreshing, what a delicious looking recipe 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Rosa says
A scrumptious couscous! That combo is wonderful. I really have to buy some paneer (I’ve found a store that sells it)…
Cheers,
Rosa
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Couscous is such good stuff, isn’t it? And you’re right that it works extremely well in a salad — great rice substitute. Love the flavors in this! Light and refreshing, but most of all really tasty. Really nice — thanks.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
A satisfying and nutritious salad, Helene. Sweet flavourful desserts made with couscous sound really intriguing.