Israeli Couscous Salad With Arugula Pesto
(from Rachellovesdogs’s recipe box)
Source: bewitchingkitchen.com
Categories: Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups packed arugula (6 ounces)
- 2 cups Israeli couscous (12 ounces)
- 2 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup full fat yoghurt (or low fat if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, peeled and diced
Directions
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Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
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Add the 6 cups of arugula and blanch for 10 seconds.
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With a slotted spoon, transfer the arugula to a colander.
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Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, drain well and reserve.
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Add the couscous to the boiling water and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Taste to make sure you don’t overcook it. Drain, and spread on a large baking sheet, drizzling with a very small amount of olive oil (use a spray bottle if you have it) to prevent the little balls from sticking.
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Let it cool to room temperature.
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In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat, tossing, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
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Squeeze the excess water from the arugula, coarsely chop it, and place it in the bowl of a food processor.
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Add the pine nuts, garlic, cheese and the 2 Tbs of olive oil, processing until the arugula and pine nuts are chopped.
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Immediately add the yogurt, process until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer the couscous to a large serving bowl and stir in some of the pesto, using as much or as little as you like.
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Gently fold in the tomatoes and cucumber pieces.
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Adjust seasoning.