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Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: A Cozy Harvest Delight

This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is a delightful blend of butternut squash, pearl couscous, and crunchy pecans, perfect for celebrating autumn flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ¼ cup olive oil substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor profile
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard Dijon mustard works as a milder alternative
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed is preferred
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice can be replaced by more lemon juice if desired
  • 1 tablespoon honey maple syrup or agave can be used for a vegan option
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute
  • 1 clove garlic use minced garlic for convenience
  • salt & pepper to taste
Salad
  • 2 cups cooked pearl couscous can replace with quinoa for a gluten-free option
  • ½ cup dried cranberries can be swapped with raisins or pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup chopped pecans replace with walnuts or sunflower seeds for variety
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion shallots can substitute for a milder taste
  • 2 cups chopped kale leaves spinach could be an alternative
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
  2. Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl, add a spoonful of dressing, and massage the kale for 2-3 minutes.
  3. In the same bowl with the massaged kale, add the couscous, cranberries, pecans, red onion, and butternut squash.
  4. Pour in a third of a cup of dressing, mixing everything gently until coated.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad is versatile, perfect for potlucks or cozy meals, and can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.

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