Southwest Israeli Couscous Recipe is the Perfect Salad for Picnics

I love this Southwest Israeli Couscous Salad with Pepitas recipe.  It is light and refreshing and so easy to take on a picnic or to a pot luck party.  I make it all the time instead of potato salad.  For some reason I'm not really a fan of mayo in the hot Arizona sun.  Hmmmm, I wonder why?

Israeli couscous is so tiny and cute, but it is a little pricy, so you can just as easily use an orzo pasta.  Just be sure to adjust to cooking time.   The most important thing is to allow the hot pasta to sit with the veggies so they soften and do not have a harsh, raw taste.

This salad is perfect as a side dish or put in lettuce cups for a meatless entre.  Why wait for this salad to chill?  Southwest Israeli Couscous Salad with Pepitas is great served warm as well.

Southwest Israeli Couscous Salad with Pepitas Recipe

3 Tablespoons corn or vegetable oil

¼ teaspoon red chile powder

2 Tablespoons shallot, minced

2 cups Israeli couscous

3 cups vegetable stock

½ cup sun dried tomatoes, small dice

¼ cup radish, minced

2 Tablespoons jalapeno, minced

¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped

1 Tablespoon Mexican oregano, chopped

1 cup golden raisins

½ cup pepitas, toasted

2 Tablespoons to ¼ cup mild vinaigrette

Directions for Southwest Israeli Couscous Salad

Heat oil in the bottom of a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Saute shallot until translucent.  Add couscous and chile powder.  Cook and stir until lightly toasted.  Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the water is absorbed; about 10 to 15 minutes.

While the couscous is simmering, chop the sun dried tomatoes, radishes, jalapeno, cilantro and Mexican oregano.  Toss together in a medium bowl and add the golden raisins.  Add the couscous while still hot so that the radishes soften and the golden raisins become plump.  Cover and let cool.

Toss with the vinaigrette and add pepitas.  Chill and serve as a side dish or in lettuce cups as a meatless entre.

Posted by Sandy

If you love this quick and easy couscous salad, here are some other great looking salads to try-

Israeli Couscous with Butternut Squash and Preserved Lemon-David Lebovitz

Israeli Couscous Summer Pilaf-Fat Free Vegan Kitchen

Mediterranean Salad with Israeli Couscous-Choosy Beggars

Israeli Couscous, Beetroot Shards, Fresh Buffalo Cheese & Pea Shoots-Eat Like A Girl