This Healthy Easter Spring Couscous Salad with Feta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings the vibrancy of spring to your table. Imagine tender asparagus, sweet peas, and creamy feta mingling together in a colorful, refreshing dish. Perfect for spring gatherings or a light meal, this salad not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients. Serve it chilled, warm, or at room temperature for a versatile and satisfying addition to any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Easter Spring Couscous Salad with Feta
This salad is not just about great taste; it’s also about simplicity and freshness. With easy preparation and a delicious combination of ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for Easter celebrations or any springtime gathering. The crispy vegetables, creamy feta, and nutty crunch of pistachios make every bite a joy.
Key Ingredients for the Salad
Fresh Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Peas
The fresh asparagus and tender peas add a burst of color and nutrients to your salad, making it not only beautiful but also healthy.
Flavorful Dressing
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
A creamy feta vinaigrette ties everything together, offering a zesty kick that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Nutty Crunch
- Pistachios
Chopped pistachios provide a delightful crunch, bringing texture and richness to each mouthful.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Couscous
Toasting Couscous
For extra flavor, toast the dry pearl couscous in olive oil before cooking. This step enhances the nutty flavor and helps keep it fluffy.
Cooking Method
Follow the package directions carefully, ensuring you don’t overcook the couscous. Fluff it with a fork and season lightly with salt before cooling.
Preparing the Vegetables
Sautéing Asparagus and Peas
In a skillet heated over medium, sauté the asparagus for about five minutes, then add the peas for an additional five to six minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.
Making the Feta Vinaigrette
Combining Ingredients for Creaminess
In a mixing bowl, mash the feta cheese and combine it with olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until you achieve a creamy, cohesive dressing.
Assembling the Salad
Mixing Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the sautéed vegetables, chopped pistachios, and parsley. Pour the feta vinaigrette over the mixture.
Adjusting Seasoning
Toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with microgreens for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
Best Pairings for the Salad
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp, making it a perfect addition to your spring meals. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside other fresh salads like chopped peach caprese salad or peach pretzel salad.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep the Salad Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will improve as the salad sits.
Make-Ahead Tips
For a convenient meal prep option, prepare the salad ahead of time but keep the vinaigrette separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegan Options
Make this salad vegan by using dairy-free cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
Alternative Ingredients
- Substitute quinoa, orzo, or small pasta shells for pearl couscous.
- Green beans or broccoli can replace asparagus.
- Feel free to use other nuts instead of pistachios.
- Goat cheese or mozzarella can replace feta.
- Microgreens can be omitted or swapped with spinach or arugula.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
FAQs
Is couscous salad served warm or cold?
Couscous salad can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa for pearl couscous, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
How do I keep couscous salad fluffy?
To keep couscous fluffy, toast it in olive oil before cooking and fluff it with a fork after cooking.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep as it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
What vegetables work best in spring couscous salad?
Asparagus, peas, and other spring vegetables like bell peppers and radishes work beautifully in this salad.
Conclusion
This Healthy Easter Spring Couscous Salad with Feta is not only a tasty treat but also a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of spring. With its bright ingredients and creamy dressing, it’s bound to become a favorite at your spring gatherings. For more inspiring recipes, check out ideas like Elli’s Pinterest, where you can discover a wealth of seasonal dishes to try!
Healthy Easter Spring Couscous Salad with Feta: Easy Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- Large bowl
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Microgreens for garnish
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
- 12 oz asparagus trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 10 oz peas frozen, thawed
- 2 cups dry pearl couscous
- 1 handful fresh parsley finely chopped
- Olive oil for roasting vegetables
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp lemon zest finely grated
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon freshly squeezed
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Cook the pearl couscous according to package directions, fluff with a fork, season with salt, and let cool slightly.
- Sauté asparagus in olive oil for about 5 minutes, then add peas and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Mash feta cheese and mix with the remaining vinaigrette ingredients to create a creamy dressing.
- Combine cooled couscous with sautéed vegetables, pistachios, and parsley, then pour the feta vinaigrette over the mixture.
- Toss to coat evenly with dressing, adjust seasoning, and garnish with microgreens before serving.