How to Make Fig and Gorgonzola Israeli Couscous Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its larger size and chewy texture make it the perfect base for salads, allowing it to hold up well to bold flavors and mix-ins. In this recipe, we're combining Israeli couscous with sweet, juicy figs and tangy gorgonzola cheese to create a vibrant and satisfying salad that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

The star of this salad is th...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 7 ounces dried figs, stems removed and finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • ¾ cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in couscous, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until couscous is cooked and water is fully absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to a large bowl and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until slightly caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add dried figs and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper, and cook until mixture thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour fig mixture over cooked couscous and stir to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 tablespoons of crumbled Gorgonzola and the toasted walnuts to the couscous; toss to combine.
  • Divide spinach between four serving dishes. Top each with equal amounts of fig and couscous mixture. Top each salad with additional Gorgonzola crumbles, if desired. Serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    622 cal.

    • Total Fat: 30g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 30mg
    • Sodium: 361mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 76g
    • Dietary Fiber: 11g
    • Total Sugars: 35g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 11mg
    • Calcium: 300mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 740mg