When it comes to creating a vibrant, nutritious dish, this Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing is a standout! It’s not just a salad; it’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that celebrates the humble broccoli in a way that will make you crave it. The addition of pearl couscous provides a hearty base, while the tahini dressing adds a creamy, nutty finish. This dish is perfect as a side or a light main course, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Second, the flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is healthy. The crunch of the broccoli, the chewiness of the couscous, and the richness of the tahini come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. This salad is also wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to incorporate seasonal veggies or your favorite nuts. It’s not just food; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients!
What You’ll Need
To create this delectable Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb broccoli (florets and stems)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup whole wheat pearl couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup olive oil (for the dressing)
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Water (for thinning the dressing)
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear:
- Cutting board: For chopping broccoli and nuts.
- Sharp knife: To make easy work of cutting the vegetables.
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the couscous in vegetable broth.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: For blending the tahini dressing smoothly.
Build Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets away from the stems and chop the stems into small pieces. You want to utilize all parts of the broccoli for maximum nutrition and crunch!
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets and stems with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Cook the Couscous
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the whole wheat pearl couscous, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the broth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Toast the Almonds
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until they are golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 5: Make the Tahini Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, cooked couscous, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the tahini dressing and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Seasonal Twists
Looking to put a seasonal spin on your Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing? Here are some ideas:
- Add roasted sweet potatoes in the fall for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill in the summer for a burst of freshness.
- Mix in pomegranate seeds in the winter for a pop of color and tart flavor.
- Substitute quinoa for couscous in the spring for a protein boost.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When preparing this Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing, keep these tips in mind to avoid any hiccups:
- Make sure to cut the broccoli into uniform pieces for even roasting.
- Don’t skip toasting the almonds; it enhances their flavor immensely.
- Adjust the tahini dressing according to your taste; add more lemon for brightness or more tahini for richness.
- Let the couscous cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting the broccoli.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! While freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the broccoli and couscous, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using it again.
Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing Q&A
Can I use other types of nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch and flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
This particular recipe is not gluten-free due to the whole wheat couscous. However, you can substitute gluten-free couscous or quinoa to make it gluten-free.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To add more protein and make it a complete meal, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken. You can also serve it alongside something hearty like Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potatoes.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
If you’re looking for other quick and easy meals, here are some ideas that pair perfectly with your Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing:
See You at the Table
I hope you give this Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing a try! It’s a vibrant, nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh ingredients. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every bite!
Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets away from the stems and chop the stems into small pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli florets and stems with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the whole wheat pearl couscous, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until they are golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, cooked couscous, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the tahini dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve the Broccoli Salad with Couscous and Tahini Dressing warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Cut the broccoli into uniform pieces for even roasting.
- Toast the almonds to enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the tahini dressing to your taste with more lemon or tahini.
- Let the couscous cool slightly before mixing to avoid wilting the broccoli.
