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Caramelized Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Couscous Salad Recipe

Caramelized Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Couscous Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

This Caramelized Shallot & Herbed Goat Cheese Couscous Salad is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines fluffy couscous with sweet, caramelized shallots, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, crunchy toasted nuts, and tangy herbed goat cheese. Tossed in a zesty olive oil and balsamic dressing, this salad works perfectly as a light main course or a flavorful side dish, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Couscous

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Caramelized Shallots

  • 3 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

For the Salad

  • ½ cup herbed goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted walnuts or almonds

For the Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Couscous: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid, then fluff gently with a fork. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice to add flavor and prevent clumping.
  2. Caramelize the Shallots: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and golden brown. If you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle sugar and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shallots to caramelize perfectly.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dressing will add a tangy and rich flavor to the salad.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, caramelized shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped parsley and basil, and toasted walnuts or almonds. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add Cheese & Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled herbed goat cheese on top of the salad. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature as a delicious and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired side dish or light main course.

Notes

  • For an extra crunch, you can substitute walnuts with toasted almonds or pine nuts.
  • The sugar in the shallots is optional but helps enhance the caramelization and sweetness.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for the best flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.
  • This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian meal.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shallots, as they should be soft and golden, not burnt.

Nutrition

Keywords: couscous salad, caramelized shallot salad, herbed goat cheese, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian couscous recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/caramelized-shallot-and-herbed-goat-cheese-couscous-salad-recipe/