Pearl couscous salad with roasted apricots, feta and arugula
Materials
- 120g of pearl couscous
- 50g of feta cheese
- 20g of arugula (a good handful)
- 10g of chopped pistachios
- 200 g apricots
- 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- a few leaves of fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- the juice of half a lemon
- shall
- black pepper
- Wash the apricots, cut them in half and remove the pit. Mix them with the olive oil, sugar and rosemary.
- Place them in the air fryer basket with the cut side up, without piling them on top of each other. Cook them at 190°C for about 10 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by mixing the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the pearl couscous according to the manufacturer's instructions. Drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.
- Mix the pearl couscous with the arugula and roasted apricots in a bowl.
- Add the crumbled feta, the chopped pistachios and dress with the vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What is pearl couscous and how does it differ from classic couscous?
Pearl couscous, also known as *ptitim* or Israeli couscous, is made up of small, larger wheat pearls than the semolina used in traditional couscous. It has a firmer, slightly tender texture, making it an ideal choice for salads. Furthermore, it absorbs dressings and sauces very well without losing its shape after cooking.
Can the pearl couscous be substituted in this salad?
Yes. If you don't have pearl couscous, you can substitute it with bulgur, quinoa, spelt, pearl barley, or even a small pasta like orzo. The important thing is to choose a base that maintains a firm texture after cooking so the salad turns out nice.
What can I substitute for feta cheese in this salad?
Feta cheese can be substituted with grilled halloumi, mozzarella, fresh goat cheese, burrata, or even a plant-based alternative. Each option will provide a different texture, while maintaining a balance between creaminess and freshness.
How to prevent pearl couscous from sticking together after cooking?
Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Then, add a drizzle of olive oil and gently stir to loosen the dumplings.
Can this pearl couscous salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, it's a perfect salad to prepare a few hours in advance. Keep it in the refrigerator and add the arugula just before serving so it stays fresh and doesn't wilt.
What can I substitute for pistachios in this salad?
You can use almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds. They all add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the roasted apricots and feta cheese.
What to serve with a pearl couscous salad with apricots?
This salad can be served on its own as a light lunch or paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or falafel for a more substantial meal. It's also a perfect choice for a picnic, buffet, or summer barbecue.
Member photos
I love to travel and discover new dishes, try new gastronomic trends and visit new restaurants.
I'm a fan of pasta in all its forms from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking it and even making it at home!
I'm currently preparing, recording, and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you like it!
