Couscous Salad

Made this for dinner tonight! This makes a really good summer salad.



Time: 20 minutes + chilling time
Serves: 4 (although I think next time I'll stretch it to 6 and serve with something else)

1 C couscous
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 C boiling water
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, use if not eating right away or expect leftovers)
2-3 green onion stalks, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow or green)
1/2 cucumber – chopped
10 cilantro sprigs, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Green chilies, finely chopped – to taste (I used 2 jalapenos)
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
Handful of dried cranberries, chopped
Handful of walnuts, chopped (I used cashews, since I couldn't find walnuts at the store today.)
Black pepper – to taste
Lemon and/or lime juice - to taste (I used 2 tsp lime, 1 tsp lemon)

1. In a bowl, add couscous, salt and boiling water. Mix well, cover and keep aside for 10 – 15 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork to make sure there are no lumps. Allow it to cool.
3. Add olive oil (optional) and mix thoroughly.
4. Add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes and serve.



I think next time I'll take out the garbanzos and cranberries, but otherwise, healthy and DELICIOUS.