Israeli Couscous with Cranberries, Walnuts, and Sunflower Seeds

4.7
(11)

This is a colorful and simple recipe that works as a main dish or a side salad. To simplify, buy a prepared salad topper that contains the nuts and cranberries and enjoy. This is delicious to eat when still warm, as well as when it is chilled. If you prefer it cold, place in the refrigerator for one hour.

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4
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
4 cups

Ingredients

Couscous:

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous

  • 1 cup dried cranberries

  • ½ cup sunflower seed kernels

  • ¼ cup walnuts

  • ¼ cup slivered almonds

Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan; stir couscous into boiling broth, reduce heat to low, and simmer until couscous is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain couscous of any broth that did not absorb while cooking.

  2. Stir couscous, cranberries, sunflower seed kernels, walnuts, and almonds together in a bowl.

  3. Whisk vinegar, syrup, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl; drizzle over couscous mixture and toss to coat.

Cook's Note:

Before boiling, the couscous can first be heated in 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat until lightly browned to bring out its nutty flavor.

Two tablespoons of olive oil can be added to the vinaigrette if you prefer.

If you prefer to serve this as a cold side salad, add 1 hour to the prep time for refrigeration.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

417 Calories
12g Fat
67g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 417
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 225mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 67g 24%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 12g 24%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 46mg 4%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 241mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.