Couscous Salad (Vegan)

Cookgirl's Note:

This Israeli/Middle Eastern-inspired couscous salad with elements of Spanish cuisine is full of healthy ingredients and easy to make. If you can't find Israeli couscous (also known as pearl couscous) use the standard type. However, quinoa, orzo or other small pasta shapes can replace the couscous. From Good Housekeeping and slightly adapted by me. I had to stop my fingers from typing: "stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water with the prunes."

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 cup israeli couscous
• 14 ounces vegetable broth (unsalted) or 14 ounces chicken broth (unsalted)
• 15 -19 ounces garbanzo beans, cooked and drained
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 -3 tablespoons red onions, diced small (my addition)
• 1/2 cup prune, pitted and diced small (can substitute dried dates or dried figs if you prefer)
• 1/2 lb baby spinach, washed and spun dried
• 2 medium valencia oranges (original recipe specified navel oranges)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• fresh parsley, minced (my addition)

Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 tablespoon agave nectar (sugar or honey can be used instead)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (I used 2 tablespoons white balsamic and 2 tablespoons dark aged balsamic)
• 1/8 teaspoon spanish smoked paprika (optional and my addition)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

1. Cook the couscous in the vegetable broth but *do not* add any salt or butter.
2. Drain. Set aside to cool.
3. Vinaigrette: Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. In a large bowl combine the vinaigrette with the cooked and cooled couscous, garbanzo beans, green onions, red onions and prunes. Toss well to combine.
5. Line a platter or individual salad plates with the baby spinach.
6. Arrange the couscous mixture on the spinach.
7. Peel one orange,remove the pith and slice. Peel the other orange, remove the pitch and cut into small bite-size chunks.
8. Arrange the orange slices around the edges and the chunks around and on top of the couscous.
9. Garnish with the almonds and fresh parsley.