Herbed Couscous Salad

Submitted by ngibsonn

"Couscous is a great "fast-food". Boil water, add the couscous, wait 5 minutes and it's done. The following salad can be created in very little time and is tasty and healthy. Couscous is a grain that has little flavor on its own (somewhat like rice) so can be used in both salty and sweet dishes."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup instant couscous
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
• 2 serrano chili peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 2 large carrots, coarsely shredded
• 6 scallions, including green tops,minced
• 2 cloves garlic, mashed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1⁄3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1⁄3 cup chopped of fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1⁄3 cup virgin olive oil
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled

directions

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the couscous and salt and stir well.
3. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
4. Using a fork, fluff up the couscous until there are no lumps.
5. Transfer to a large bowl.
6. Add the bell pepper, chilies, tomato, carrots, scallions, garlic, basil, cilantro, mint, vinegar, and oil to the warm couscous and mix well with a fork to separate the grains.
7. Add the salt and fresh pepper, cover, and chill for 10 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with the cheese just before serving.