CRAN-ORANGE COUSCOUS SALAD

Cran-Orange Couscous Salad image

I often create salads for summer using a variety of healthy, filling grains. This version with tender couscous is amped up by the bright flavors of oranges, cranberries, basil and a touch of fennel. -Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked pearl (Israeli) couscous
2 cans (14 ounces each ) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 large navel oranges, peeled and chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 small red onion, chopped
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup fennel bulb, thinly sliced, fronds reserved
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
8 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
VINAIGRETTE:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Prepare couscous according to package directions. Fluff with a fork; cool. In a bowl, combine couscous and the next 9 ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients until blended. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Garnish with additional chopped basil and reserved fennel fronds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 16g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 335mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 10g protein.