What is Couscous and Why Should You Be Eating It?

Have you ever tried couscous? If not, you may be wondering what in the heck that is. This may help!

Here's a great couscous recipe that will please the palate of the people who are already fans of it and the taste buds of those who've never tried it before. This recipe- for a Quick Couscous Salad that is delicious AND healthy- is from the UK Cooperative Extension Office.

QUICK COUSCOUS SALAD

1 box (5.8 ounces) roasted garlic and olive oil flavored couscous

1 cup halved grape tomatoes or 1 large tomato, diced

1/2 large cucumber or 2 small, diced

1 small red onion, diced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the couscous according to package directions. Set aside.

Wash fresh produce under cool running water, using a vegetable brush to scrub veggies with a firm surface.Dry and cut to prepare for this recipe.

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Add prepared couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cheese, and parsley if using. Toss ingredients to coat with dressing.

If time allows, refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop or serve immediately.'

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

This Quick Couscous Salad is the 'July' recipe in the UK Cooperative Extension's 2024 Food & Nutrition Recipe Calendar. The recipe, like each developed by the office, is designed to feed families affordably and in a healthy way. The total cost of this recipe is estimated at $6.27. It yields 7 servings. That makes the cost per serving just 90 cents.

What's Cookin'? is sponsored by Kight Kitchen Interiors in Owensboro, KY.