Giant Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Zhoug Dressing

Name: Giant Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Zhoug Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 150 g giant couscous or fregola; 4 large vine tomatoes, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 2 green chilies, chopped; 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped; 1/2 bunch coriander, roughly chopped; 1 handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped; 1 lemon lemon juice; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp caster sugar; 3 tbsp olive oil

This giant couscous salad is bright, fresh, and packed with juicy tomatoes, herbs, and a punchy zhoug-style dressing. It is an easy side or light lunch that comes together quickly and tastes even better as the couscous soaks up the tomato juices.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time5 Mins

Cook Time15 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

giant couscous or fregola
150 g
large vine tomatoes, diced
4
red onion, finely chopped
0.5
green chilies, chopped
2
garlic, roughly chopped
1 clove
coriander, roughly chopped
0.5 bunch
parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1 handful
lemon juice
1 lemon
ground cumin
0.5 tsp
caster sugar
0.5 tsp
olive oil
3 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the diced tomatoes and finely chopped red onion in a large bowl. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, toss well, and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the tomatoes release their juices.

Meanwhile, cook the giant couscous in a pan of boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly, then spread it out or leave it in the colander for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. Add the couscous to the tomato mixture and toss to combine.

Add the coriander, parsley, lemon juice, green chilies, garlic, ground cumin, caster sugar, olive oil, 1 tbsp water, and 1/2 tsp sea salt to a blender or small food processor. Blend until mostly smooth.

Spoon some of the zhoug-style dressing over the couscous salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side, or chill for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for a deeper flavor.

Chef's Tips

Fregola is the best substitute for giant couscous if you cannot find it. Do not overcook the couscous or it can turn soft once mixed with the tomato juices. For a milder dressing, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending. The salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.