Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/19 checked
4
servings
0.5 cup

lemon juice

1 unit

garlic clove

minced

2 unit

shallots

minced

2 cup

olive oil

1 pinch

salt

to taste

1 pinch

pepper

to taste

2 cup

cous cous

4 cup

water

0.25 cup

harissa

0.25 cup

Italian parsley

minced

0.25 cup

cilantro

minced

1 pinch

salt

to taste

1 pinch

pepper

to taste

0.5 cup

Dungeness crab meat

fresh

2 tbsp

sumac

0.5 cup

sweet peppers

diced

1 tsp

serrano chili

1 unit

tomato

blanched, seeded and julienned

1 cup

watercress

Step 1
~3 min

Prepare the lemon vinaigrette by combining lemon juice, minced garlic, minced shallots, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

Step 2
~3 min

Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3
~3 min

Gradually add olive oil in a steady stream while whisking continuously to emulsify the vinaigrette.

Step 4
~3 min

Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5
~3 min

Prepare the couscous salad by placing couscous in a large bowl.

Step 6
~3 min

In a saucepot, combine water, harissa, minced Italian parsley, minced cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Step 7
~3 min

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8
~3 min

Pour the spiced, boiling water over the couscous and cover the bowl with saran wrap or a lid.

Step 9
~3 min

Let the couscous sit for 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 10
~3 min

Use two forks to fluff the couscous.

Step 11
~3 min

In a large bowl, combine crab meat, sumac, diced sweet peppers, serrano chili, and the prepared couscous.

Step 12
~3 min

Add 1/2 cup of the lemon vinaigrette to the couscous mixture.

Step 13
~3 min

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine.

Step 14
~3 min

In a separate large bowl, toss watercress and julienned tomato with the remaining 1/2 cup of lemon vinaigrette.

Step 15
~3 min

Season the watercress and tomato salad with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 16
~3 min

To serve, place 1/2 cup of couscous salad in the center of four salad plates.

Step 17
~3 min

Top each couscous portion with 1/4 of the watercress and tomato salad mixture.

Step 18
~3 min

Serve the salad immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a vegan version, omit the crab meat and add chickpeas or white beans for protein.

Make the vinaigrette ahead of time for flavors to meld.

Adjust the amount of harissa to your preferred spice level.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The vinaigrette can be made a day in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Moderate (lemon and herbs)
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled halloumi
Roasted vegetables
Lemon chicken

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Mediterranean

Cultural Significance

Commonly served as a side dish or light meal in Mediterranean countries.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Summer gatherings
Picnics

Occasion Tags

Summer
Lunch
Picnic
Potluck

Popularity Score

65/100

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