Dragon Salad - Couscous Summer Salad

Fiery flavors in a refreshing bite! Dragon Salad will awaken your taste buds. 🐉😋🍽️

1. Introduction:

Dragon Salad, also known as Couscous Summer Salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm days. It combines the lightness of couscous with the sweetness of summer fruits and a zesty dressing, creating a delightful explosion of flavors.

2. Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pints red grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2 3/4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth would be fine too)
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/3 pound feta cheese
• 1/4 cup torn or chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 3 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
• juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/4 cups couscous (regular or whole wheat)

3. Cooking Guide:

Begin by preparing the couscous according to package instructions and letting it cool. Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the couscous. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss gently with the salad. Chill before serving.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you are ready to roast the tomatoes. Accurate temperature control is essential for consistent results.

Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes

Halve the tomatoes lengthwise, from the stem end to the blossom end, creating two equal halves. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, in a single layer on a large, shallow baking pan. This arrangement will allow the tomatoes to roast evenly and prevent overcrowding.

Step 3: Roast tomatoes and prepare couscous

Add garlic cloves to the pan with the tomatoes. Roast in the preheated oven until the tomatoes are slightly shriveled around the edges, about 1 hour. While the tomatoes are roasting, bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous, let simmer, then cover and remove from heat to allow it to steam.

Step 4: Make the Garlic-Lemon Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the finely chopped garlic, olive oil, warm water, and lemon juice. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, using a molcajete, blender or food processor for a smoother emulsion if preferred. The well-blended dressing will enhance the flavors of the roasted tomatoes and couscous.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the Dragon Salad chilled as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a refreshing snack. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, and a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 6 servings, Calories: 530kcal, Protein: 18g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 84g, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 7g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 1302mg

6. One Last Bite:

Dragon Salad is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer in a single bowl. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try it and share the recipe with your friends!