Caprese Couscous Salad (Printable Version)

Mediterranean-inspired salad with tender couscous, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze.

# Ingredient List:

→ Couscous

01 - 1 cup pearled Israeli couscous
02 - 1.25 cups water
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Salad

05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
07 - 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
08 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
11 - 1 teaspoon honey, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil. Add pearled couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled couscous, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
03 - Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and toss gently. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 - Transfer salad to serving platter or bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze. If desired, add honey to glaze for enhanced sweetness.
05 - Serve immediately for warm salad or refrigerate for 30 minutes for chilled presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of warm, nutty couscous and cold, juicy tomatoes creates this incredible temperature contrast that wakes up your whole palate
  • It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to marry, making it perfect for potlucks or meal prep
  • You can customize it endlessly with whatever fresh herbs or vegetables look best at the market
02 -
  • Hot couscous will melt the mozzarella into a weird texture, so be patient and let it cool completely before mixing
  • Add the balsamic glaze right before serving, otherwise it can start to make everything look a bit muddy
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the basil until serving so it stays bright and fresh
03 -
  • If your balsamic glaze is too thick to drizzle, warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to loosen it up
  • Try toasting your couscous in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding the water, it adds this incredible nutty depth
  • Use a mix of red and yellow tomatoes when possible, the color contrast makes the dish absolutely stunning
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