Ingredients

2 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup pearl ( Israeli ) couscous
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 clove garlic , crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup pitted green olives
4 heirloom tomatoes , quartered
15 cherry tomatoes , quartered
1 English cucumber , cubed
1/2 small red onion , thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon , juiced
This Heirloom Tomato Salad with Pearl Couscous recipe is a colorful and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer evening. The combination of ripe heirloom tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and briny olives is a classic Mediterranean flavor profile. The pearl couscous adds a hearty texture to the dish, while the feta cheese provides a creamy, salty finish. This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to grilled protein. It is vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese.

Instructions

1.In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable stock with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pearl couscous and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the couscous is tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2.In a food processor, pulse the basil, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, and olives until finely chopped. Set aside.
3.In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.
4.In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
5.Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.

PROS

This salad is packed with fresh and flavorful ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious meal option.
The pearl couscous adds a satisfying texture and the feta cheese adds a nice salty contrast.
Plus, this salad is easy to prepare and can be made in advance.

CONS

The prep work for this salad can be time-consuming, as there are many ingredients to chop and prepare.
It may also be difficult to find heirloom tomatoes and pearl couscous at your local grocery store.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is loaded with plant-based nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The tomatoes and cucumber are both low in calories and high in water content, making them great for hydration and weight management. The pearl couscous is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, which can help keep you full and energized. The olives and feta cheese provide healthy fats, which are important for brain health and hormone regulation.

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