Spring has sprung! We’re mid March and temps seem to be hovering in the 50s+, after a mild, nearly non-existent winter.
I like it. I like it a lot.
With spring upon us and summer right around the corner (squeal!) my wedding is creeping up.
I’m spending what little free time I have making sure things are in good order so that come July, I do not turn into a crazy bridezilla, barking orders at my bridesmaids or my soon-to-be hubby. Making sure things are in good order really means harassing the coordinator at the venue, who told me I was “the most organized bride” she’d ever seen (read: Please stop emailing me every day!), dealing with Lloyd’s lack of understanding how a wedding works (“A seating chart? Can’t we just do general admission?”), trying to make sure we can um, actually afford this wedding, and working hard at the gym for that coveted wedding bod.
With such little spare time, my meal planning and prep has to be efficient: think soups and chilis that feed us for days, salads that will span a week’s worth of lunches, and big batches of grilled chicken that I simply need to reheat when I get home from work. Lately I’ve been digging non-traditional salads. Add this one to your repertoire. It doesn’t get much easier: full of color and some Mexican flavor, this salad combines a variety of veggies, beans for protein and whole grains.
Mexican Couscous
Serves 4
Inspired by What’s Gaby Cooking
Ingredients
- 1 C couscous (I like Trader Joe’s whole wheat)
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 orange pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
- 1/4 C cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 avocado, sliced, for serving (optional)
- salsa, for serving (optional)
Directions
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Cook the couscous according to the package directions. Set aside to cool.
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In a bowl combine the peppers, beans, scallions, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well.
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Add the couscous to the mixture and toss. Season with salt and pepper.
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Before serving, add sliced avocado, if using.
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Top with a healthy dose of salsa and mix, if desired.
I love the non-traditional salads idea – sometimes lettuce just gets in the way!
This is beautiful!
So absolutely fresh – the colors are vibrant!
Yumm yum. I love salads that use couscous!
Yum – easy and nutritious. I’m a fan of Trader Joe’s couscous too.
What a fun idea for couscous! Love all the fresh flavors you added, Liz! Looks so colorful and wholesome.
gorgeous photos!
What a great salad! So colorful and full of flavor! You will fit in that wedding dress and look gorgeous!
Oh my goodness, two of my fave things: Mexican food and couscous! I’m adding this to my list of fave spring/summer salads. It looks wonderful!
All. Over. This. Like, for dinner tonight. This is our kind of dinner ,love it!
Love this! I love how light it is and how quick too! Great recipe
Yay for wedding planning madness. This salad looks awesome, I want to try it but sub in some quinoa for the cous cous for another dose of healthy goodness. Love it!
Love all the colors and flavors of this dish! Wedding planning IS madness, but try not to stress, it all ends up working out.
Yum! Good luck getting ready for the wedding. My cousin is getting married in May and I think next month she’ll start going crazy.
That looks so good, perfect for AZ! I made your buffalo chicken chili this weekend, it was so so good.
Yesterday my TJ’s was sampling a new mexican salad and I didnt buy it…should have…or…I should just make yours. Fabulous!
I could just DIVE into my screen right now! Gorgeous and SO fresh looking!
And delicious! Buzzed ya’!
That salad’s absolutely gorgeous. It looks like it’s plenty filling and will give you the energy you need to keep you barking orders.
I remember very clearly the prep work for our wedding even though it was 10 years ago. On that day though, I didn’t care if it all came together or not. As long as he and the pastor were in front of the church with me, I could have been wearing a garbage bag and carrying dandelions. It’ll be awesome.
It looks so healthy, colorful, and delicious. YUM!
yum… i love couscous and i love all things Mexicans. I must try this salad out asap!
what a beautiful salad Liz! I love all of the flavors. Perfect for spring/summertime.
EEKKK!! Can’t believe it’s almost wedding time! I’m so excited for you! Now, this couscous is something that could score me ma-jor points with the hubby! He is a died hard couscous fan! So this need to be on my grocery list
Beautiful!! I never had coucscous in a Mexican context, looks delicious!
I love this warm weather! And this couscous looks awesome! I always equate Mexican food with warm weather. Will def have to try!
This salad is beautiful! So full of delicious, nutritious veggies and couscous too? Really good.
This sounds like an interesting recipe for me to make for me and my hubby. So, I look forward to giving it a try!
Thanks,
Grandma Kat
XOXOXOXOXO
This is exactly the kind of recipe I love. I’m loving all the delicious-looking, bright colors in this salad
Looks delicious! I’m definitely going to try this one night this week! I remember the wedding planning madness – mine was 2 years ago. Everything will be beautiful, because you’ll be there, he’ll be there, and at the end of the day you’ll be married. Beautiful!