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Sumac Pearl Couscous Salad

This salad features pearl couscous cooked until tender and slightly chewy, mixed with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a lemon-sumac dressing. The final dish has a vibrant appearance with colorful vegetables and a slightly fluffy, textured grain, finished with a tangy and aromatic flavor profile.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pearl couscous preferably dried
  • 2 cups water for cooking couscous
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup zucchini diced
  • 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper diced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon sumac ground
  • 1 large lemon juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking couscous
  • Baking sheet for roasting vegetables
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork for dressing
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, and red bell pepper with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. While vegetables roast, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add pearl couscous and a pinch of salt, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until couscous is tender and fluffy, then drain any excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Once the vegetables are done roasting, add them to the bowl with cooked couscous. Pour in juice of one lemon, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and ground sumac. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the grains are coated with the dressing and vegetables are evenly distributed.
  4. Stir in chopped parsley and taste, then adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. The salad should be slightly chewy with bursts of flavor from the sumac and fresh herbs, and colorful from the roasted vegetables.
  5. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, garnished with extra herbs if desired. The dish showcases a vibrant combination of textures, from tender grains and roasted vegetables to crunchy herbs and tangy dressing.