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Pearl Couscous Arugula Salad Recipe

This pearl couscous salad recipe with arugula is creamy, tangy, salty, and so delicious! With lemon juice, fresh mint, lemon zest, yogurt, and more!
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 254kcal
Author: Emily

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pearl couscous
  • cups water for boiling couscous
  • ¼ cup Plain whole milk yogurt or dairy free yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 handfuls arugula
  • 1 avocado cubed
  • 2-3 sprigs mint leaves
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • lemon zest
  • cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water generously and add 1 cup of couscous. Cook couscous until it is done, according to time on package directions.
  • Drain the couscous and rinse thoroughly with cold water in order to cool and remove excess starch. If the couscous is clumping, mix a bit of oil into it.
  • Once the couscous has cooled, stir in the yogurt and lemon juice in a large bowl, as well as some salt and any other seasonings you want. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the yogurt.
  • At this time, cube your avocado and remove mint leaves from the stems.
  • Toss the arugula with the couscous until it is evenly combined. Toss in the avocado cubes as well, gently.
  • Sprinkle with salt, zest the lemon on top of the salad, and top with mint leaves. If you want more lemon flavor, add another squeeze to the top. Optionally, drizzle with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. 
  • Garnish with more zest and flaky salt. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • For the best result, treat the creamy couscous as though it is a salad dressing!
  • If you don't have couscous, you can use another small type of pasta, like a ditalini.
  • I recommend using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt for the most accurate results. Additionally, I like to garnish with a bit of Maldon flaky sea salt.
  • For more flavor, try to toast the couscous in a dry pan before cooking in water until it is golden brown. This will give it a nice nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 313mg | Potassium: 382mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 347IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg
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