Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad: A Sweet and Savory Fall Delight

This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is the perfect seasonal dish, combining the rich flavors of fall with the light, fluffy texture of pearl couscous. The crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans are balanced beautifully by the tangy maple vinaigrette, making this salad a delicious addition to any autumn meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall flavors: With apples, cranberries, and pecans, this salad captures all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall.
• Light yet satisfying: The pearl couscous creates a hearty base, while the apples and cranberries provide natural sweetness.
• Simple and quick: With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, this salad is easy to make and perfect for busy days.
• Perfect for meal prep: It stores well and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 cups water
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the couscous:
   Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pearl couscous, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
2. Cool the couscous:
   Once the couscous is cooked, drain any excess water and set the couscous aside to cool.
3. Prepare the salad ingredients:
   While the couscous is cooling, dice the apple, chop the pecans, and roughly chop the parsley. Set aside.
4. Make the dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Combine everything:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley.
6. Dress the salad:
   Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. Chill and serve:
   Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Servings and Timing:

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 30-45 minutes (including chilling time)

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Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad actually improves as it sits, so it’s great for leftovers!

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Variations:

• Add cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element.
• Swap nuts: If you prefer, swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Add greens: Toss in some arugula, spinach, or kale for added texture and freshness.
• Make it sweeter: If you like a sweeter salad, add extra maple syrup or use sweetened dried cranberries.

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FAQs

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
You can, but pearl couscous gives a larger, chewier texture that works really well in salads. Regular couscous will cook faster and be smaller in size, so the texture will be slightly different.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, and it stays fresh for several days.

Can I use a different vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

This Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad is a beautiful, vibrant dish that’s perfect for fall. With the sweet crunch of apples, the tangy burst of cranberries, and the nutty flavor of pecans, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish, light lunch, or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite!

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