Italian pasta salad recipes easy full#

Plan to boil the couscous like pasta, then drain and rinse under cold water before proceeding with step 2. If Israeli couscous is what you have or you prefer a chewier, pasta-like texture, you can absolutely use it in place of Moroccan couscous in this recipe. Be sure to read the instructions on the back of the container to ensure it's cooked properly. It's cook time is about 10 minutes.ĭo I have to use Moroccan couscous for this recipe? Cover and steam for about 5 minutes, then toss with a fork. Israeli couscous, with its little pearl shape, is nearly double the size. Because of this, it needs to be cooked in a pot of boiling water like pasta, then drained. To cook, bring water to a boil in a small pot, then add the couscous. Both are made from semolina flour, with the biggest difference being their size. Moroccan couscous is incredibly small, which means it cooks super fast. The main two being Moroccan and Israeli (also sometimes called pearl couscous). Grocery stores will have a few different options for couscous available. What’s the difference between Moroccan and Israeli couscous? Olives: These add a smooth, savory flavor and also a pop of contrasting color Mozzarella Cheese Balls: I love the mild flavor of the mozzarella with the spice of the salami.

Cucumber: This brings a fresh flavor to the salad. The secret Sprinkle the cooked pasta and veggies with dry Italian dressing before making the salad and then use a wet dressing as well I learned this trick years ago, and this has been my go-to pasta salad recipe since. Cherry Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes in half so they are bite-sized. If using homemade dry mix, use 3-4 tablespoons. Add cooked, cooled pasta and sprinkle with dry seasoning mix (packaged or homemade). On the hunt for another delicious way to use this unique ingredient? Check out Ree’s Greek Salmon Couscous Bowls! Refrigerated Tortellini: I used spinach and cheese. Wash and cut vegetables, place in a large bowl. But no matter if you're team pasta or team grain, there's no arguing that couscous is a great ingredient to incorporate fiber and protein into a healthy summer lunch. Others claim that it predates pasta and it’s more like a grain.

Italian pasta salad recipes easy full#

Many say it should be categorized as a pasta since it’s made from semolina flour with a touch of water to form its pellet-like texture. Red onion Fresh mozzarella pearls Parmesan Fresh parsley and basil Dried oregano Olive oil Lemons Dijon mustard Honey Red pepper flakes See below for full recipe. It’s time to dive headfirst into Mediterranean bliss.Ĭouscous-the unassuming pantry staple that’s ready to eat in as little as five minutes-can be hard to describe. What better way to check all those boxes than with a couscous salad that screams summer?! Colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and what’s that? Toasted walnuts and fresh dill? Yes please! Gone are the days of a bland bowl of greens being called a salad.

When it comes to making the best salads ever, a few things are a must: in-season produce, a bright and flavorful dressing, and a salad topper for some crunch.