Colorful Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad Recipe: Cozy Fall Bliss

Crisp autumn winds carry a delightful pearl couscous salad that promises comfort and zest in every forkful.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a vibrant medley of textures and flavors.

Soft pearl couscous provides a gentle backdrop for roasted vegetables and tangy herbs.

Maple-glazed butternut squash adds warmth to this hearty dish.

Crumbled goat cheese brings a creamy contrast against earthy undertones.

Each bite tells a story of harvest abundance and culinary creativity.

Come explore this simple yet stunning recipe that celebrates fall’s delicious bounty.

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: Reasons to Celebrate Flavor

• Unlock Easy Flavor Fusion: Blend sweet roasted squash, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta for a mouthwatering taste adventure that surprises your palate.
• Meal Prep Magic: Whip up this versatile salad quickly, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy as a make-ahead lunch or dinner that tastes just as delicious the next day.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with wholesome ingredients like butternut squash, pecans, and couscous, this recipe delivers a nutritious punch without sacrificing incredible flavor.
• Seasonal Celebration Dish: Capture the essence of autumn with this vibrant salad that showcases seasonal ingredients and warm, comforting flavors perfect for gatherings or solo meals.

Shopping List for Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and hearty autumn vegetable that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the salad.
• Pearl Couscous: A delightful pasta-like grain that provides a soft and chewy base for the salad.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: These ingredients add a delightful burst of tartness and crunchy texture to complement the soft couscous and squash.

• Feta Cheese, Salt, Pepper: Feta provides a tangy and creamy element, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Maple Syrup, Balsamic Vinegar: These ingredients create a sweet and tangy dressing that brings all the salad components together with a rich autumn flavor.

• Olive Oil: A key ingredient that helps roast the squash and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the salad.

Steps for Tossing Together Pearl Couscous Salad

Step 1: Prepare Butternut Squash

Slice butternut squash into bite-sized cubes.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each cube is evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 2: Roast Vegetable Cubes

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).

Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the pieces become tender.

Shake the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.

Step 3: Cook Pearl Couscous

While squash roasts, prepare pearl couscous in a separate pot.

Follow package instructions for liquid ratio and cooking time.

Once cooked, fluff with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Crunch

• Pecans
• Pumpkin seeds

Stir constantly to prevent burning and enhance their natural flavors.

Step 5: Build Colorful Salad

• Roasted butternut squash
• Cooked pearl couscous
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans
• Crumbled feta cheese

Step 6: Dress and Finish

• Maple syrup
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil

Pour over the salad and toss gently to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 7: Final Touch

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the salad either warm or chilled, depending on preference.

Tips for Building Perfect Autumn Couscous Salads

• Cut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Spread pieces on a single layer with space between them for crispy edges.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to enhance their nutty richness and bring out deeper, more complex flavors.
• Fluff couscous with a fork immediately after cooking and let it rest for 5 minutes to separate grains and create a light, airy texture.
• Adjust maple syrup and balsamic vinegar ratios to match your taste preference, creating a harmonious dressing that complements the squash and cheese.

Pearl Couscous Salad Variations for Fall Flavors

• Gluten-Free Quinoa Swap: Replace couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the salad's hearty texture and nutritional value.
• Vegan Cheese Edition: Substitute feta with dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version of the salad.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and oregano to enhance the flavor profile and bring a Mediterranean touch to the dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to transform the salad into a more substantial main course with increased protein content.

Ways to Serve Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad Beautifully

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair this vibrant salad with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a complete autumn meal.
• Standalone Star: Enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main dish by adding extra protein like chickpeas or toasted almonds.
• Potluck Perfection: Pack in a portable container for gatherings, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully during transport.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy notes with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc.

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: Storage Guidelines

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Warm the couscous salad in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Let refrigerated salad sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and ingredients to reach a pleasant temperature.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of feta cheese, pecans, and squash will become mushy and lose their original crisp and creamy qualities when thawed.

FAQs

• Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, the Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is completely vegetarian and uses ingredients like butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes delicious both warm and chilled, making it perfect for meal prep.

• What makes pearl couscous different from regular couscous?

Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, is larger and rounder compared to traditional small couscous. It has a more pasta-like texture and provides a pleasant chewiness to the salad.

Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad, blending roasted seasonal vegetables with nutty grains and tangy herbs. Cool evenings welcome warm spices and rich textures you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups pearl couscous
• 1 cup cubed butternut squash
• 0.5 cup feta cheese

Dried Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup chopped pecans

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C) for roasting butternut squash cubes.
2. Drizzle squash with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then spread evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast squash for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and vegetable becomes tender, stirring once midway.
4. Prepare pearl couscous according to package instructions, ensuring grains are fluffy and separate.
5. Transfer cooked couscous to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
6. Add roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese to the couscous.
7. Create a light dressing by whisking maple syrup and balsamic vinegar together.
8. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to distribute ingredients and coating evenly.
9. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
10. Serve immediately while warm or refrigerate for a chilled option, allowing flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Roast squash in advance to save time and enhance its caramelized flavor, developing a deeper sweetness.
• Use whole wheat or pearl couscous for added nutrition and a delightful chewy texture that absorbs dressing beautifully.
• Swap feta with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the dish’s creamy element.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg