Couscous salads are a fun way to combine flavors and colors into a single, healthy dish. Couscous is a small pasta that is a versatile, easy-to-make staple that can be used in many meals.
This southwest couscous bowl is packed with nutrients, has 14 grams of protein and is only 496 calories. With bold colors from spinach, tomatoes, corn, bell peppers and black beans, this salad is not only a treat for your plate but also a feast for your eyes.
Whether you make it for lunch or dinner, or even prep it for a day on the go, you’re sure to enjoy the explosion of flavors and nutrition in every bite.
Southwest Couscous Bowl
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup diced orange pepper
1 cup dried pearl couscous
1 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
4 cups lightly packed spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 minced cilantro
Vinaigrette:
Juice from 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons honey
1 Tablespoon minced cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Place canola oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until unions are translucent. Add vegetable broth and couscous. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, until couscous absorbs liquid. Set aside.
Spray a medium sauté pan liberally with cooking spray and place over high heat. When hot, add corn and sear until brown, taking care not to let it burn. Set aside.
To make vinaigrette, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, cilantro and salt in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until combined. To assemble, divide spinach, couscous, corn, tomatoes, black beans, green onion and cilantro among four bowls. Drizzle each with vinaigrette.
Nutrition information per serving: 496 calories;19 grams fat; 2.5 grams saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 254 mg sodium; 71 grams carbohydrates; 10 grams fiber; 14 grams protein
Looking for more nutrition advice and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian? Call 1-855-434-5483 or visit Nutrition Services on henryford.com.
