Can you use pomegranate molasses with pearl couscous salad?

Pomegranate molasses can be added to the dressing for a more intense flavor for any pomegranate couscous recipe.

Is there a substitution for fresh pomegranate seeds?

If you can't find fresh pomegranate seeds, the best substitute is dried cranberries or cherries. If you decide to use fresh cranberries, be sure to simmer them first. They will be very tart, so consider adding a teaspoon of sugar or date paste before adding them to the salad. You won't get the exact flavor of this pomegranate couscous recipe, but it will still be tasty.

What vegetables go with pearl couscous salad?

If you want to add more vegetables to pearl couscous salad, consider diced cucumber or carrots. Red bell pepper would also be a good option as would be chopped kale if you want more greens.

Festive Pomegranate Couscous Salad - vegan pearl couscous salad recipe

festive pomegranate couscous salad

A white bowl filled with pearl couscous, pomegranate, herbs, and pistachios.

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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Get the party started with a festive pomegranate couscous salad with healthy vegan ingredients, zesty lemon-spice flavor, and tantalizing textures.

Author: Denise
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Side Salads
Method: Stovetip
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups (300 gm.) pearl couscous, rinsed. (ideally whole grain couscous)
3 cups of water
pinch of salt (1/4 a teaspoon)
1 large pomegranate (1 1/2 cups seeds)
4 scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
2 cups flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup pistachios
1 cup lemon juice
2 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 - 1 tsp. red chili flakes
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the couscous. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt to boiling. Add the rinsed couscous, stir, reduce the heat, and cover. Simmer the couscous for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Consult the package instructions in case there is a specific couscous to water recommendation.
Rinse cooked couscous. Once the couscous is done, promptly remove it from the pot and rinse it in cool water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the couscous from sticking together.
Mix the dressing. Grab a small bowl and whisk the lemon juice, ginger, red chili flakes, and black pepper.
Finish the salad. Add the cooked couscous to a medium salad bowl, then mix the dressing to coat the couscous. Add the rest of the salad ingredients and mix well.
Serving suggestions. Serve the salad at room temperature or cover the bowl with cling film (plastic wrap) and store it in the refrigerator to serve it the next day.

Notes

Refresh the salad after sitting by mixing in a few tablespoons of lemon juice.
Add pomegranate molasses to the dressing for a more intensive flavor.
Want more veg with your couscous? Add diced cucumber, carrots, or red pepper.

Keywords: pomegranate couscous salad, pearl couscous salad, Israeli couscous salad, Giant couscous

Find it online: https://veganwithgusto.com/pomegranate-couscous-salad/