Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and color? Look no further than this Cherry Apple Avocado Salad with a Couscous Crunch! Perfect for summer picnics or as a delightful side for your next dinner party, this salad combines the sweetness of cherries and apples with the creamy texture of avocado, all brought together by fluffy couscous. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also impresses your guests. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a salad that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil. Add couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the water completely.
- While the couscous is resting, prepare the fruits. Carefully pit and halve the cherries, ensuring no stems or pits remain. Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes, removing the core and seeds.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and dice into similar-sized cubes as the apple. Immediately sprinkle the avocado with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains and allow it to cool slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, halved cherries, diced apple, and diced avocado.
- Drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a cooler salad.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Couscous: Ensure your couscous is fluffy by letting it rest covered for the full 5 minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork to prevent clumping.
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that yield slightly to pressure for the best texture. This will enhance the creaminess of your salad.
- Prevent Browning: To keep your avocado looking fresh and green, sprinkle it with lemon juice immediately after cutting. This simple step makes a big difference!
- Chill for Flavor: If you have time, let your salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other fruits or nuts for extra crunch and flavor! Consider adding diced strawberries, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for a twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
