Couscous Salad Lime Vinaigrette (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Couscous Salad

01 - 1 cup couscous
02 - 1 cup boiling water
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds (optional)
09 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Lime Basil Vinaigrette

11 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
13 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - In a heatproof bowl, pour boiling water over couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, zest, mustard, honey, garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, combine couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and basil. Add feta and nuts if using.
04 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for later.

# Notes:

01 - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
02 - Try adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or avocado for extra protein.
03 - Use pearl couscous for a slightly chewier texture.