Salads are a superb choice when you don’t have time to cook dinner a complete meal or might pick something that’s no longer as heavy.

Ramsha Baig

Ptitim is a famous Israeli couscous salad with fresh veggies and tangy lemon dressing. Make this recipe for a smooth, refreshing meal!

Using grains like couscous in place of lettuce makes for a heartier dish. Plus, pulses and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa are first-rate sources of plant-based totally protein.

Even as this couscous salad recipe is light enough for summer time, It makes use of components which can be to be had year-spherical. Even better, it takes less than half-hour to make, and you can serve it heat or chilled, Depending on your choice.

If you want to strive different protein-wealthy salads, Check out my recipe for African salad with chickpeas and carrots or Kisir, That’s a Turkish bulgur salad.

Ingredients for Ptitm

this is just ingredient notes and substitutes. For all ingredients and amounts wanted, see the recipe card at the bottom of this put up.

Israeli couscous – This is larger than the kind of couscous typically offered inside the US and might come in a single colour or a tri-color blend. You could also locate it categorized as Jerusalem couscous, giant couscous, or pearl couscous.
Bell peppers – Use a selection of colors to make the arrival of the salad extra interesting. the level of sweetness and bitterness may even range based totally at the coloration of the peppers.
Roma tomatoes – Alternative with a different type of plum tomato if wished. Or, replace with halved cherry or grape tomatoes for a milder and sweeter taste.
Zucchini – Many recipes use cucumber instead, and either will work depending in your desire. English cucumbers are better for salads when you consider that they’re less assailable and feature decrease water content.

Additional mix-ins

There are many varieties of this couscous salad recipe, so feel free to add whatever sounds good. Here are some popular ideas:

• Artichoke hearts
• Red onion or shallot
• Bulgarit or Feta cheese
• Golden raisins or dried cranberries
• Chopped serrano chiles

Instructions

Simmer the grains till tender, then integrate with fresh vegetables, nuts, and a homemade dressing.

Cook the couscous

• In case you’d like, first toast the Israeli couscous in a little bit of oil. This step is absolutely optionally available but adds a pleasing nutty taste to the overall dish.
• Add couscous to a pot of boiling water, cover with a lid, and simmer until all the liquid has evaporated.
• Then, fluff with a fork and permit it to cool.

Prep the other ingredients

• Next, chop the greens and basil.
• Toast the pine nuts at the stove in a dry pan, stirring frequently to prevent any burning.
• Whisk collectively the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

Assemble the salad

• Combine all of the substances in a large bowl, blending nicely to coat with the dressing.
• Vicinity in the refrigerator for at least an hour to sit back.
• Finally, season with salt and pepper to flavor and toss before serving.

Recipe Notes:

Storage – Ptitim will last for an afternoon or two inside the fridge. just stir the leftover to recombine the ingredients. you can also need to squeeze a bit extra lemon juice over the top to freshen it up.
Freezing – At the same time as you could’t freeze the whole salad, you could freeze the couscous by using itself. allow it to cool absolutely, then shop in a ziploc bag in the freezer for up to a few months. Thaw in the fridge earlier than the use of.
Make ahead – You could effortlessly make this a day ahead of time for a potluck or own family accumulating. Or, make the couscous by means of itself, shop inside the refrigerator, and blend with the rest of the ingredients earlier than serving.
in case you experience this center eastern couscous recipe, I guess you’ll enjoy shirazi salad with chickpeas and Moroccan couscous salad.

And this pumpkin couscous salad from entire meals Bellies could make the right holiday aspect dish.

Health benefits of couscous:

Not only does this grain provide plant-based protein, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium.

It’s also rich in dietary fiber, which keeps your digestive system healthy and helps you feel full longer.

Most notably, just one cup of couscous contains more than half the daily amount of selenium. This antioxidant repairs damaged blood cells, reduces inflammation, and supports organ health.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to make Ptitim. It’s a simple, wholesome, delicious meal!