A delightful salad featuring the earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts, the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of dried cherries, and the nuttiness of Israeli couscous. It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil
Add the Israeli couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until couscous is tender
Drain any excess water and set aside to cool
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy
Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the Brussels sprouts
Season with salt and pepper
Cook the Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and browned, about 10-12 minutes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked Israeli couscous, cooked Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, dried cherries, and sliced almonds
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss to combine all the ingredients
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed
If desired, top the salad with crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and creaminess
Serve the Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Couscous Salad as a side dish or a light meal
Enjoy!