Turmeric Pearl Couscous Salad
This colorful salad or side dish can be enjoyed year-round. Serve it as an entrée or with any protein.
The shape and texture of pearl couscous makes it interesting and delicious to eat. I love sharing this dish at a BBQ, beach gathering or pot luck dinner.
A SALAD FOR MEAL PREP
I created this salad for a client who loves cherry tomatoes, anything from the grill, and colorful meals. We do a lot of grilled fish, chicken, steak and kabobs. I was looking for a side dish that wasn’t the usual grilled vegetables or rice.
Pearl couscous always feels like a treat. You don’t see if very often and it is so delicious. It’s light yet hearty, and holds well for meal prep.
When used in a salad, it gets better as the days go by. The round pasta absorbs the seasoning over time, like any good pasta salad.
Yes, couscous is a pasta, not a grain. The history of couscous is quite interesting. You can learn more about it on Food52.
COLOR YOUR COUSOUS
I amped up the health supportive properties of this dish with the power of turmeric. I used a particular type of pearl couscous that already has the turmeric in it.
You can find Rice Select Pearl Couscous with Turmeric at most health food stores and on Amazon.
If you can only find traditional pearl couscous, add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder to the water when you are cooking the couscous.
HOW TO PAIR THIS AS A SALAD OR SIDE DISH
When I add this recipe to my clients meal prep menus, I pair it with a variety of proteins or additional vegetables. I work with clients who are Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo and Gluten-Free. This is how I suggest this salad on their personalized meal prep menus.
- Paired with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp
- With beef, chicken or salmon kabobs with grilled bell peppers
- Served with a side of broccolini, broccoli or broccoli raab with sautéed garlic
- Paired with grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and yellow squash
- Substitute feta cheese for crumbled tofu or a soft nut cheese
MAKE THIS DISH GLUTEN-FREE
You can substitute couscous with any of the following gluten-free grains or grain alternatives. Be sure to add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric when cooking to add color and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
- Cauliflower rice
- White quinoa
- Millet
- Oat groats
CHEF TIP
If you can’t find turmeric pearl couscous, use traditional white pearl couscous in its place. You can add the turmeric two ways.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric to the boiling water before preparing the couscous.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a small pan, add 1-2 teaspoon of turmeric and warm on low heat to activate the spice. Mix with the cooked couscous till fully incorporated and colored, then continue to assemble the salad according to directions.
- Gluten-Free? Make this dish using cauliflower rice and 2 teaspoons of turmeric for color and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE, TRY THE FOLLOWING
- Curried Cauliflower Couscous Salad
- Big Italian Green Salad
- Turmeric Ginger Tahini Dressing
- Grilled Corn Mexican Salad
- Cilantro Avocado Dressing
Turmeric Pearl Couscous Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Healthy
Description
Pearl couscous and turmeric makes for a vibrant salad with exciting texture and flavor. Enjoy as an entree of side dish for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 c turmeric pearl couscous
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- ½ cup chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
- ¼ cup feta, crumbled (or ½ a block)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2–3 cups packed baby arugula
Instructions
- Bring 1 ½ cups of hot water to a boil. Add couscous, cover with lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Turn off stove and let set for 5 minutes. Then remove lid, fluff and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- While couscous is cooling, assemble the salad. Add sliced tomatoes, feta, lemon zest and ½ the lemon juice to a bowl. Add couscous and stir to combine. Add olive oil, sea salt and pepper, stir. Taste to see if you would like more lemon.
- Add half the arugula and toss till incorporated. Serve immediately over additional arugula or store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If you can’t find turmeric pearl couscous, use traditional white pearl couscous in its place. You can add the turmeric two ways.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric to the boiling water before preparing the couscous.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a small pan, add 1-2 teaspoon of turmeric and warm on low heat to activate the spice. Mix with the cooked couscous till fully incorporated and colored, then continue to assemble the salad according to directions.
- Gluten-Free? Make this dish using cauliflower rice and 2 teaspoons of turmeric for color and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Whitney Aronoff, a Holistic Chef based in Laguna Beach, California. I graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Communications, and went on to the health supportive culinary school, The Natural Gourmet Institute, in New York City. I work as a personal chef and teach cooking classes, with a focus on healthy, whole foods cooking.
My goal is to help people feel their best by sharing the delicious, healthy recipes I prepare weekly for my clients. I want you to have the energy to live your best life and fulfil your dreams.
As we become more conscious and make more quality food choices, our body, mind, soul and the planet benefits.
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