Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad Recipe

If you are searching for a salad that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all in one bowl, then the Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad is exactly what you need. This delightful dish bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors from juicy pears, tart cranberries, and nutty couscous, all accented by a light, honeyed dressing and topped with crumbly feta cheese. It’s a wonderfully textured salad that feels both comforting and refreshing, making it a fantastic choice for any meal or gathering where you want to impress with something simple yet sophisticated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad is how the relatively simple ingredients work together to create such an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each component is essential, from the fluffy couscous acting as the perfect base to the fresh herbs and crunchy nuts providing depth and contrast.

• 1 cup couscous: The quick-cooking grain that forms the hearty foundation of the salad with a light, fluffy texture.
• 1 cup hot water or vegetable broth: Enhances couscous flavor and keeps the grains tender and moist.
• 1 ripe pear, diced: Adds juicy sweetness and a soft bite that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: Offer a tangy burst that contrasts perfectly with the savory and sweet elements.
• ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped: Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Provide a mild onion bite to brighten the salad’s overall flavor profile.
• ¼ cup crumbled feta: Brings a creamy, salty finish that elevates every forkful.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs lift the dish with a vibrant hint of earthiness.
• For the dressing: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper — simple ingredients that create a lightly sweet and tangy dressing to tie everything together.

How to Make Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Couscous

Start by placing the couscous in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot water or vegetable broth over it. Cover the bowl and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the liquid fully and become fluffy. Once the time is up, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains and avoid clumps. This simple step ensures a light texture that blends wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While the couscous is resting, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, and salt and black pepper to taste. This dressing adds a bright and subtly sweet tang that enhances the natural flavors of the pear and cranberries, tying the entire salad together with a lovely, balanced finish.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the fluffed couscous, diced pear, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. This step brings all those vibrant ingredients together physically, setting the stage for the wonderful flavor meld that is the heart of this salad.

Step 4: Dress and Finish

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all elements evenly without bruising the delicate pear. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. The feta adds a creamy, savory contrast that rounds out the dish beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.

How to Serve Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing the Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad with a few whole toasted nuts or an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few additional dried cranberries on top not only looks gorgeous but also adds a welcome texture and burst of flavor for guests to enjoy.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from grilled chicken or fish to roasted vegetables. Its fruity and nutty notes complement protein-rich mains beautifully, making it a terrific accompaniment whether for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner. Feeling adventurous? Serve it alongside spicy falafel or alongside a creamy soup to balance out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or a festive occasion, try serving the Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad in individual mini bowls or hollowed-out pear halves for a stunning, unique presentation. It also makes an excellent layered parfait style dish in glass jars for picnics or lunches on the go. The colors and textures look captivating, inviting everyone to dig in happily!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it chilled helps maintain the fresh texture of the pear and the bright flavors of the dressing. Just give it a good stir before serving again as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh pears and dressing lose their texture and flavor once frozen and thawed. The couscous itself freezes well, but the other ingredients do not hold up as nicely, so it is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, allow it to come to room temperature naturally after removing it from the fridge, and avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Absolutely! Quinoa would make a great substitute, offering similar texture and a boost of protein, plus a slightly nutty flavor that complements the pear and cranberry beautifully.

What type of pears work best in this salad?

Opt for ripe but firm pears like Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc. They provide sweetness without becoming mushy when diced, keeping that lovely fresh bite that balances the salad.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be whisked together a day or two before and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before tossing it with the salad to refresh its flavors.

Are there any good vegan substitutions?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative that crumbles nicely. The salad still tastes delicious and fresh without the cheese.

How can I keep the pears from browning?

Toss the diced pears immediately with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning if you are preparing the salad ahead of time. This keeps those beautiful pear pieces looking fresh and appetizing.

Final Thoughts

This Pear & Cranberry Couscous Salad has quickly become one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up, especially when I want something that feels light yet satisfying. Its vibrant blend of textures and flavors never fails to bring joy to the table, and I encourage you to give it a try. Whether for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this salad shines bright and is sure to be loved by all who try it.

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