Cherie's Couscous Salad

Bizzy-Bee's Note:

My friend and co-worker Cherie brought me a sample of this to work. I immediately asked for the recipe. It is delicious - bright and light! It would be great with simply grilled pork or chicken. Yummy!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 cups fresh orange juice , divided
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 ounce) package couscous (about 1 2/3 cups)
• ½ cup dried apricot , sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries or ½ cup currant
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 cup chopped seeded cucumber
• ¾ cup chopped green onion
• ½ cup coarsely chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Bring 1-1/2 cups orange juice, water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place couscous in a large bowl.
2. Combine 1/2 cup orange juice, apricots, cranberries or currants, and vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Drain and discard cooking liquid.
3. Add apricot mixture, cucumber, and remaining ingredients to couscous, tossing to combine.
4. Chill.