Cherie's Couscous Salad

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!

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  cups  fresh orange juice, divided
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 ounce) package couscous (about 1 2/3 cups)
• 1⁄2 cup  dried apricot, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries or 1⁄2 cup currants
• 2  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1  cup  chopped seeded cucumber
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped green onion
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely chopped pistachios
• 1⁄4 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.