a recipe // citrus cous cous salad

i know i have posted this recipe before, but for those who missed it last year, this one's for you.  it is my go-to, if you will, for any spring or summertime meal.  the ingredients rely on what looks good at the market, with one heck of a dressing that you just can't mess up.  this salad is wonderful as a side dish or all on its own.  this weekend, i paired it with some grilled shrimp and italian salsa verde sauce for a little last minute dinner party.  i made enough to have left-overs on sunday, too.  i just might have had it for breakfast.  i find that this salad is best after it has had a few hours in the refrigerator, where the ingredients really get to know each other.  but as you will find, this recipe is very forgiving and really allows you to get creative.  have fun adding other ingredients or simply swapping ones out for a more seasonal variety. 

ingredients for the salad

- 1 can of chickpeas
- 3/4 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes 
- 1 can of drained mandarin oranges 
- 1.5 cups of whole wheat cous cous
- 1/4 cup of fresh chopped mint
- 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro 
- salt and lots of fresh ground black pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper chopped 
- 1/4 cup of green onion chopped

ingredients for the dressing

- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- the juice of 2 blood oranges
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar 
- small drizzle of honey
- a pinch of salt and lots of fresh ground black pepper

to prepare, cook your cous cous according to the package.  set aside to cool while prepping other ingredients.  combine all chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl and add the fluffed cous cous, mixing as you slowing pour it in.  

to prepare the dressing, which is lovely on any salad by the way, add all ingredients to your blender except for the olive oil.  slowing pour the oil in while the blender is on low and you will get a smooth vinaigrette.  that's it.  easy, peasy.  

add 1/2 of the dressing to your cous cous salad and toss lightly with a wooden spoon.  depending on your preference, you can add more dressing now or later, right before serving.  i like to add it all early to let the other ingredients soak up the citrus flavors.  serve cold and enjoy.