Looking for a refreshing, healthy dish that’s perfect for summer? This Couscous Salad with Carrots and Raisins offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. The cool couscous provides a light and hearty base, while the sweetness of the raisins and the crunch of the carrots create a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Couscous Salad
This Couscous Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of grated carrots, raisins, and parsley adds color and essential vitamins, while the olive oil and red wine vinegar provide a tangy kick. With only 18 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s also a healthy choice for anyone looking to reduce their sodium intake.
Ingredients:
1 (10-oz) box of quick-cooking couscous (prepared according to package directions, without salt)
3 carrots, peeled and grated
1 cup yellow raisins
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions:
Prepare the couscous: Follow the package instructions for preparing the couscous, but omit any salt. Let the couscous cool completely.
Mix the ingredients: Once the couscous has cooled, add the grated carrots, yellow raisins, chopped parsley, and red onion to the couscous. Toss everything together to distribute evenly.
Dress the salad: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Toss the salad again to combine. If it seems too dry, feel free to add a little more olive oil and vinegar to achieve the desired texture.
Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or as a light vegetarian main course. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual weeknight dinners.
Pro Tips:
Make it ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add nuts: For extra crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts.
Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of raisins to suit your taste. You can also swap the yellow raisins for golden raisins or other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.