Shrimp and Couscous Salad: A Light and Refreshing Dish
Shrimp and Couscous Salad is a delightful dish that blends the mild, nutty flavor of couscous with the sweetness of shrimp and the freshness of vegetables. It’s great as a main course or a side salad.
Ingredients:
200g Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup couscous (dry)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
1/4 red onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking shrimp)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for the dressing)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for the dressing)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for the dressing)
1 teaspoon honey (for the dressing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Couscous
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork once cooked and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be tangy and slightly sweet.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, shrimp, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Shrimp and Couscous Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp and Couscous Salad:
Add More Veggies: You can also add chopped tomatoes, avocado, or spinach for more color and flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Customize the Couscous: Try using whole wheat couscous for a healthier, fiber-packed option.
Shrimp and Couscous Salad is a light, healthy meal that’s packed with flavors. The combination of tender shrimp, fluffy couscous, and fresh vegetables, all brought together with a tangy dressing, makes this dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!