Strawberry and Couscous Spinach Salad

I feel like this salad is a great way to celebrate the fact that spring is just around the corner.  I don’t know how it is where you live, but here in Arizona, winter left about a month ago and she left very suddenly.

One day we were cozied up by the fireplace, drinking hot tea under a blanket, and the next day my boys were asking if it was time to go swimming.

Winter. Was. Outta. Here.

She didn’t bother to give her 2 weeks notice, or even leave a note!  A tad bit on the rude side if you ask me.

Now if you’ve endured a long, dark, icy winter, I’m sure you would be happy to see her go.  But we only have small window of “not summer” as it is, so when it’s cut short, we definitely feel cheated.

But instead of feeling abandoned and rejected, I’m looking forward and celebrating what’s up ahead!

If spring were a salad, I think this would be her.  Bright, cheery, and fresh.

I recently made this salad for a little ladies lunch at church and it got great reviews!

Make yourself this light and cheery salad for a taste of what’s just up ahead.  Hope spring and her promise of all things new and fresh find you very soon, wherever you are!

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Strawberry Couscous Spinach Salad

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• Author: Julie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A bright and cheery spring time salad with strawberries, couscous, spinach, feta, hazelnuts and an almond vinaigrette. 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Almond Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup oil (I used vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or aged balsamic)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the Couscous

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup couscous
• salt and pepper

For the Salad

• Prepared Couscous
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

For the Dressing

1. In a small saucepan, heat the oil, sugar, vinegar, and mustard over medium high heat, whisking constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing emulsifies. Stir in almond extract. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Couscous

1. In a medium pan, bring butter and broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Allow to set for 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool to room temperature.

For the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine couscous, spinach, strawberries, feta, and hazelnuts. Stir in dressing and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Notes

If you are making this salad ahead of time, make all the components, store separately, and assemble just before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Serving
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 343mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20.9g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 56mg