Pink Lady Apple and Moroccan Giant Couscous Salad
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Serves 6
5 mins prep time
15 mins cooking time
recipe courtesy of our friends at pinkladyapples.co.uk
Pink Lady Apple and Moroccan Giant Couscous Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and nourishing dish that brings together sweet fruit, fluffy grains, and bold Moroccan-inspired flavours. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or a colourful addition to a sharing table, this salad is both wholesome and full of character.
At the heart of the dish is Moroccan giant couscous, also known as pearl couscous. These soft, chewy grains are cooked until tender yet slightly firm, providing a satisfying base that absorbs flavour beautifully. Once cooked, the couscous is lightly seasoned and allowed to cool, creating the perfect canvas for the fresh, vibrant ingredients that follow.
Crisp Pink Lady apples add a refreshing sweetness and a juicy crunch that lifts the entire dish. Their naturally balanced flavour brings a bright contrast to the savoury elements, making each bite lively and well-rounded. The apples are typically diced just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
To enhance the Moroccan inspiration, the salad is often combined with ingredients such as toasted almonds, fresh herbs like mint and parsley, and warming spices such as cumin or cinnamon. These elements add depth, aroma, and a subtle earthy warmth that complements the fruit and grains beautifully.
A light dressing, often made with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a touch of spice, ties everything together. It coats the couscous gently, enhancing the flavours without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients.
Pink Lady Apple and Moroccan Giant Couscous Salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious, with a mix of golden grains, green herbs, and vibrant apple pieces. It works beautifully on its own or alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or mezze-style dishes. This salad is a celebration of contrast, combining sweetness, spice, and freshness in a perfectly balanced and satisfying dish.
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Ingredients
You'll Need
- 3 tbsp dry sherry
- 50g sultanas or raisins
- 200g giant couscous
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 Pink Lady® apple, cored and diced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 tsp fresh root ginger, finely grated
- ½ red chili, de-seeded and finely chopped
- 25g pack fresh mint, leaves only finely chopped
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
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Method
- Crunchy fresh Pink Lady® apple combines beautifully with the smoky spicy aromas from Morocco. The perfect lunchbox treat! You can use regular couscous if you like, just make according to pack instructions.
- Put the sherry into a small saucepan and gently bring just below the boil. Add the sultanas and set aside to soak.
- Meanwhile put the couscous into a saucepan of boiling water and gently simmer for 6-8 minutes until swollen and tender. Drain in a sieve and rinse in cold water. Drain again thoroughly, using the base of a bowl to squeeze out any excess liquid. Set aside.
- Put the paprika, cinnamon and cumin in to a dry frying pan and gently heat until fragrant. Transfer to a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients and stir in the couscous, sultanas and soaking sherry. Check seasoning and serve.