Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad Ingredients: Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard (or Dijon) 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon crushed garlic Salt and pepper, to taste Couscous Salad: 1 cup pearl couscous, cooked 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup pecans, chopped 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup kale leaves, chopped 1 cup butternut squash, pan-fried or roasted Instructions: Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir well until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity as needed. Store any extra dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Massage the Kale: Place chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Add a spoonful of dressing and massage the kale for 1-2 minutes until tender and vibrant green. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked pearl couscous, dried cranberries, pecans, thinly sliced red onion, and pan-fried or roasted butternut squash to the kale. Drizzle with about 1/3 cup of dressing, or as much as desired, and toss to combine. Serve: Enjoy this salad cold. Its a great make-ahead meal prep salad to keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Calories: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish, capturing the essence of falls harvest with every bite. Soft pearl couscous, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans are complemented by roasted butternut squash, adding a cozy warmth to the salad. The chopped kale is massaged with a hint of dressing, creating a tender, flavorful base that pairs beautifully with the honey-citrus vinaigrettes sweet and tangy notes. Perfect for meal prep or as a seasonal side dish, this salad is both nutritious and full of autumn colors. Enjoy it cold to appreciate the fresh, crisp textures, and serve it at gatherings for a beautiful addition to any fall table. With its mix of flavors and colors, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
