Toasted Couscus BLT Salad

Submitted by Chef mariajane

"To combat lunch bag boredom, you need to straddle that fine line between exciting and familiar, which is just what this salad does. Exotic large pearl couscous gets dressed up with all the ingredients of that perennial favorite - the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwch - and tossed in a lemony dressing to create a packable salad that will appeal to the whole family. To give even more heft to this lunch, and perhaps turn it into an easy light supper, add thickly sliced or diced smoked turkey or chicken."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 6 ounces bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
• 1⁄2 cup large pearl couscous
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
• 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• salt
• ground black pepper

directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring often, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the saucepan.
3. Return saucepan to stove over medium-high.
4. Add couscous and toast, stirring often, until lightly browned, 2-4 minutes.
5. Spread toasted couscous on baking sheet to cool for 25 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, to make dressing in a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, and mustard. While whisking vigorously, drizzle in olive oil. Set aside.
7. In a large bowl, combine lettuce and tomatoes.
8. When couscous has cooled, transfer to bowl with lettuce and tomatoes.
9. Add reserved bacon and dressing, then toss well to coat.
10. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.