Salads

Couscous Salad with Turkey and Arugula

Active Time: 10 MINTotal Time20 MIN
Yield: Serves : 4

Sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, spicy arugula—this couscous salad boasts an interesting array of flavors and textures. We include strips of roasted or smoked turkey to make it a meal, but you can leave them out for a meatless salad.Slideshow: More Terrific Salads

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/3 cups couscous
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 carrots, grated
  • 1 1/2-pound piece cooked turkey, cut crosswise into thin strips
  • 5 ounces arugula, tough stems removed, leaves washed and chopped (about 3 cups)

How to Make It

Step 1    

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous and raisins. Cover, remove from the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer the couscous and raisins to a large bowl to cool.

Step 2    

Meanwhile, in a small frying pan, toast the walnuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast the nuts in a 350° oven for 10 minutes. Remove the nuts from the pan and chop them.

Step 3    

In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking.

Step 4    

Toss the carrots, the toasted nuts, the turkey, the arugula, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with the cooled couscous. Toss the salad into the dressing.

Notes

Variations Substitute three cups of shredded watercress or spinach leaves for the arugula.

Suggested Pairing

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