Ingredients

2 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups couscous , raw
1 red bell pepper , diced
1 yellow bell pepper , diced
1 celery rib , diced
1 cup parsley , finely chopped
1 cup scallion , sliced ( reserve 1/4 cup for garnish )
1 cup chickpeas , drain and rinse
1 1/2 cups artichokes , cooked and quartered
1/3 cup feta cheese , crumbled ( omit for vegans )
3 tablespoons kalamata olives , thinly sliced
3/4 cup mint vinaigrette ( recipe follows )
romaine lettuce leaf
8 tablespoons chicken ( vegetable broth fine for vegans )
1/4 cup mint , chopped fresh
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon marjoram , chopped fresh
5 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh
1/2 teaspoon black pepper , freshly ground
1 teaspoon lemon peel , grated
salt , to taste
1 large garlic clove , finely chopped
The Minted Couscous Greek Salad is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors that come together to create a bright and bold dish. The salad is made up of a bed of fluffy couscous and crisp vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and scallions. The salad is then dressed in a refreshing mint vinaigrette and topped with olives, artichokes, and feta cheese. Perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner, this salad is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Instructions

1.In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the couscous, cover the pan, and turn off the heat. Let the couscous sit for 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
2.In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, red and yellow bell peppers, celery, parsley, scallions, chickpeas, artichokes, feta cheese, and olives. Toss everything together until well combined.
3.In a small bowl, whisk together the mint vinaigrette ingredients (mint, olive oil, marjoram, lemon juice, black pepper, lemon peel, garlic, and salt). Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
4.Serve the salad on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves and top with a tablespoon of chicken or vegetable broth (optional) and a sprinkle of reserved scallions. Enjoy!

PROS

This salad is packed with fresh, healthy ingredients and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
The mint vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that complements the vegetables and couscous perfectly.
It’s also vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese and chicken broth.

CONS

While this salad is healthy and flavorful, it does require a lot of chopping and prep work.
It may also be too light for some people as a main dish and may need to be paired with a protein source like grilled chicken or tofu.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all of the fresh vegetables. Couscous is also a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. The mint in the vinaigrette has been known to aid in digestion and reduce inflammation. Lastly, the olives and olive oil in the dressing provide a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

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