Follow these steps for perfect results
lemon juice
garlic clove
minced
shallots
minced
olive oil
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cous cous
water
harissa
Italian parsley
minced
cilantro
minced
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Dungeness crab meat
fresh
sumac
sweet peppers
diced
serrano chili
tomato
blanched, seeded and julienned
watercress
Prepare the lemon vinaigrette by combining lemon juice, minced garlic, minced shallots, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Gradually add olive oil in a steady stream while whisking continuously to emulsify the vinaigrette.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the couscous salad by placing couscous in a large bowl.
In a saucepot, combine water, harissa, minced Italian parsley, minced cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Pour the spiced, boiling water over the couscous and cover the bowl with saran wrap or a lid.
Let the couscous sit for 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Use two forks to fluff the couscous.
In a large bowl, combine crab meat, sumac, diced sweet peppers, serrano chili, and the prepared couscous.
Add 1/2 cup of the lemon vinaigrette to the couscous mixture.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste and toss to combine.
In a separate large bowl, toss watercress and julienned tomato with the remaining 1/2 cup of lemon vinaigrette.
Season the watercress and tomato salad with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, place 1/2 cup of couscous salad in the center of four salad plates.
Top each couscous portion with 1/4 of the watercress and tomato salad mixture.
Serve the salad immediately.
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.
Everything you need to know before you start
15 minutes
The vinaigrette can be made a day in advance.
Arrange artfully on a plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Crisp and refreshing.
Light and refreshing.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Commonly served as a side dish or light meal in Mediterranean countries.
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