Mediterranean Couscous Salad

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I’ve been intrigued by the Mediterranean diet for a long time.  A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, healthy fats, and fish has shown a lot of health benefits, particularly for a healthy heart and good cholesterol.  Oh, and don’t forget you are encouraged the occasional glass of red wine!  It’s been on the back of my mind to look into more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, but one thing has stood in my way: olives.  I eat anything, but olives have always been the one food I could not get myself to enjoy.  I would force myself to eat them occasionally in hopes that my taste buds would magically change but no luck.  Then one day, I stumbled across the perfect stepping stone: kalamata olives.  I liked kalamata olives immediately.  Especially paired with meat and cheese for a little appetizer platter.  Yum.  I started eating kalamata olives and, eventually, my taste buds changed to where I love the addition of any olives to a meal.  Success!  This salad has great flavor and the couscous makes it a more filling meal or side dish.  I would add some chicken on top to make it even more filling, but it’s great as is!

Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients:

1 c couscous

2 c water

1/2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

1/3 c olive oil

juice of 1/2 lemon

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 red onion, minced

1 T white wine vinegar

1 c diced tomatoes

4 c spinach

3/4 c walnuts

4 oz feta cheese, chopped

1/2 c kalamata olives

Directions:

  1. Heat couscous and water to boiling in small saucepan.  Turn down to simmer and let simmer until couscous is soft, about 8 minutes.
  2. Strain couscous, place in bowl, and refrigerate until cool.
  3. Once couscous has cooled, place it in a large bowl.  Add olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, red onion, and white wine vinegar and stir to combine.  Add diced tomatoes and stir.
  4. Add spinach and stir until spinach is covered in oil and well integrated.
  5. Add walnuts, olives, and feta cheese and stir until well combined.