Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Shrimp
My Mediterranean Couscous Salad is full of protein, fiber, and plenty of bright and zesty flavors. Enjoy this light all summer long!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups Israeli Couscous (pearl couscous)
- 2 1/4 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp cooked (See Note 1)
- 4 bell peppers half each red green, orange bell pepper
- 2 Roma tomatoes seeded chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 15 oz black olives drained and pitted
- 1 zucchini large cubed
- 1/4 cup basil leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
Salad Dressing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced (about 3 tbsp)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings (optional)
- Balsamic Syrup
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add olive oil and couscous, stir. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the liquid is evaporated and the couscous is tender. Fluff and set aside to cool.
- While couscous steams, clean shrimp (See Note 1), chop vegetables and basil.
- Over medium heat lightly toast the pine nuts in a small fry pan.
- In a small bowl whisk together the dressing or add to a jar, seal and shake to mix.
- In a large bowl add the cooled couscous, shrimp, chopped vegetables, pine nuts and salad dressing. Season to taste.
- Cover and chill for at least one hour. Toss to mix before serving and drizzle with balsamic syrup and feta cheese (optional).
Notes
- If using raw shrimp: add 1 teaspoon kosher salt to 8 cups boiling water. Add the raw (thawed) shrimp. Turn heat off, stir and cook for 1 minute or until the shrimp turns pink. Transfer to ice bath (bowl with water and ice cubes) to stop cooking. Do not over cook shrimp!
Nutrition
Calories: 573kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1832mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3264IU | Vitamin C: 121mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 3mg