Side Dishes
Herby Whole Wheat Couscous Salad with Figs and Dried Fruit
This whole grain salad is so light and delicious. The fresh figs and prunes are great for bone health as figs are high in calcium and the prunes have special bioactive compounds called phenolics that enhance bone formation and inhibit bone resorprtion. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and the ingredients can all be sourced at a regular supermarket. I whipped this recipe up in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
3 Cups Veggie stock or water
3 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive oil
1½ cups Whole wheat couscous
Parsley, chopped ¼ cup
Mint, chopped ½ cup
Cilantro, chopped ¼ cup
Dried apricots, diced 8–10 ea.
Dried prunes, diced 8–10 ea.
Fresh Figs, 4-5 diced
Pine nuts, toasted, ¼ cup
Lemon, zest and juice of 1 ea.
Ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Heat the veggie stock or water to boiling.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the stock and pour in the couscous, gently stirring. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork. Pour into a medium size bowl.
4. Add remaining ingredients and toss well. Add salt and more pepper to taste.