Vibrant Mediterranean salad combining tender couscous, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze in just 25 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Couscous Base
01 - 1 cup pearled couscous
02 - 1.25 cups water
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Salad
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
07 - 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
08 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Dressing
10 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
11 - 1 teaspoon honey, optional
# Step-by-step guide:
01 - Bring 1.25 cups water with salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil to boil in a medium saucepan. Add pearled couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled couscous with cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.
03 - Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over salad and toss gently to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 - Transfer salad to serving platter or bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze. Add 1 teaspoon honey to glaze if additional sweetness is desired.
05 - Serve immediately for warm salad, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled version.
