Pearl Couscous Salad Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Couscous

01 - 2 tsp olive oil
02 - 1 garlic clove, minced
03 - 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 1/2 cups (250g) pearl couscous (gourmet or Israeli couscous)
05 - 1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
06 - 1 cup water

→ Salad

07 - 2 cucumbers, diced (approximately 2 cups)
08 - 250g cherry tomatoes, halved (approximately 2 cups)
09 - 3 cups baby spinach, finely sliced
10 - 1/4 cup coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
11 - 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped

→ Lemon Dressing

12 - 2 tsp lemon zest
13 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
14 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
15 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
16 - 1 garlic clove, minced
17 - 1 tsp sugar (optional)
18 - 3/4 tsp kosher salt
19 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or small pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion, then sauté until the onion is translucent and starting to brown.
02 - Add pearl couscous and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the broth and water, then bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked but still firm. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
03 - Place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine.
04 - Add the salad ingredients to the bowl with couscous. Pour over the dressing and toss well to combine. Serve at room temperature.

# Notes:

01 - Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, has a soft but chewy texture and a pearly, slippery surface.