Description

A vibrant and refreshing spring salad featuring pearl couscous, peas, arugula, herbs, and a zesty lemon marinade with za’atar and sumac — perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pearl couscous
1.5 cups water
Salt (to taste)
1 cup fresh peas
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 cups arugula, roughly chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
2 tbsp fresh mint, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp za’atar
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt (to taste)
1 tsp sumac (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ cup shelled pistachios

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Instructions

Blanch the peas: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add peas and blanch for 90 seconds. Drain and set aside.
Cook the couscous: Combine couscous, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the water is absorbed. Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and toss with a little olive oil.
Quick-pickle the onions: Slice red onion thinly. Toss with lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to marinate.
Prep greens and herbs: Roughly chop arugula. Finely mince parsley and mint.
Make the marinade: Heat olive oil in a small pot. Sauté garlic until golden. Remove from heat and stir in za’atar, cumin, and salt.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine couscous, peas, arugula, herbs, onions, and pistachios. Pour the marinade over the top and toss to combine. Sprinkle with sumac and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

You can serve this salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For extra protein, add grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or shredded chicken. Sumac adds brightness, but you can substitute with a pinch of lemon zest if needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiled and assembled
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg