The hot spell we are experiencing is going on…and on…and on. The Pacific Northwest doesn’t like that kind of weather and the effects of a month without rain are taking a toll. My lawn that was green a few weeks ago is now the color of a brown paper bag and it’s a challenge to keep the pots on my patio from completely drying out no matter how much I water them. There isn’t much I can do about the weather but I can keep our meals simple and keep the oven off. Simple hardy salads are best and this is one of our favorites.
No recipe is needed for this salad…just combine your favorite veggies with couscous or quinoa and toss with a light vinaigrette and…presto…a great meal and a cool house. Farmers’ markets are busting at the seams with wonderful produce right now. A simple salad is one of the best ways to enjoy them.
A quick dip in boiling water removes the raw taste from vegetables like green beans and asparagus and the dressing absorbs better when they have been blanched for a minute or two. These were the veggies I had on hand last weekend but just about any will be delicious: diced avocado, bell pepper, roasted corn, cauliflower and broccoli flowerettes…whatever you like. Just be creative and use what you have.
- ¾ cup couscous, cooked and cooled.
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large ripe tomato, de-seeded and chopped
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large bunch mint, chopped
- 1 large bunch flat leaved parsley
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Prepare quinoa or couscous according to package directions. Set aside to cool.
- Toss the vegetables with the herbs and the garlic in a large bowl. Add the juice and zest of the lime and olive oil. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients. Finally add the couscous and gently fold in. Salt and pepper to taste. Taste the salad and add more lime juice or oil according to your taste.
- Set aside for at least half an hour in the fridge to cool and for all the flavors to blend.
It really is a beautiful salad. Love the pictures from the farmers market. I could buy a whole car load from there. We had a couple of cool snaps, which is weird for Mississippi in July. But, it is in the 100 degree mark today. That’s too dang hot.
Ugh, I agree! A few more weeks and the weather will start to turn cooler. I usually over buy at the farmers’ market and have vegetables coming out my ears. I’m going to miss them this winter.
Cathy recently posted..Couscous Vegetable Salad
Fine looking summer salad Cathy, I especially like the first presentation shot. Hard to imagine heat and drought out your way and I imagine there are not many lawn watering systems installed to help out.
Larry recently posted..A Day At The Lake With The Roden’s
Hi Larry – I have a sprinkler system but it costs a fortune to use it. If I tried to keep my lawn green it could cost around $200 a month for water, maybe more. It all turns green again after a couple of rains in September.
Cathy recently posted..Couscous Vegetable Salad
I love color on a plate..so beautiful!
I too love the first pic..a work of art Cathy!
Monique recently posted..Kid Friendly~ and this and that.
Thank you, Monique.
Cathy recently posted..Couscous Vegetable Salad
Great photos, Cathy! This post had the best timing…I was trying to think of a different salad to make with veggies…I just put it all together…it is delicious, but bet it will be better after it sits a few hours so the flavors blend. Thanks for sharing.
Have a wonderful week.
Marigene recently posted..Grey Day!
Happy you liked this recipe, Marigene. It’s one of those dishes that never turns out the same way twice because of the variety of ingredients it can be made with. Thanks for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Couscous Vegetable Salad
So appealing. Although I should have realized I did not, that blanching helps vegetables absorb the dressing. I just never gave it a thought. Now I will. Thanks.
I can relate to the weather. It drizzled the other day and we were all shocked.
Madonna
MakeMineLemon
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon recently posted..Gourmet S’mores
I would love a day with a little drizzle. It would clean the air and freshen things up. Doesn’t look like that is going to happy anytime soon around here.
Cathy recently posted..Couscous Vegetable Salad
Absolutely gorgeous salad Cathy. I love how you’ve plated it with the tomatoes down the side and the avocado slices. This summer here in the mountains has been very unusual – lots of rain and fairly cool temperatures. Mind you, I’m not complaining, but I haven’t even had a chance to wear my new sundresses yet 🙂
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Orzo Salad – makes enough to feed a crowd
What a beautiful salad Cathy, love that any veggie can be added, beautiful presentation!
cheri recently posted..Coconut Loaf
Beautiful salad, Cathy, and perfect for this time of year! Brava!
You are right. When the weather is warm the only thing that is satisfying is something light and fresh! Your salad would be a hit at our house. We are leaving on vacation in a few days….Oregon here we come…so sorry to hear that it is warm there, too!
Kate recently posted..Orzo Chicken Salad
I think I should have said HOT!
Kate recently posted..Orzo Chicken Salad
Your veggie photos are works of art! My husband spells words with ours, ie. FALL.
So that is where our hot summer has been! Our cooler-than-normal temps are a direct result of our super-cold winter so Lake Michigan is 7-12 degrees below it’s normal temperature and affecting our air as a result. I hope you get some rain soon, Cathy.
Meanwhile, what a great idea to serve light, summer salads like this. It really does look delicious!
Susan recently posted..Cheesy Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Power Greens
This would totally work for me any night of the week!
Lulu recently posted..Bountiful Color
I think we have your summer and you have ours this year! Usually our grass is brown by now but it’s lush and green. Your salad sounds good Cathy-stay cool:@)
I could eat just this salad for a meal and be totally satisfied. It looks delicious Cathy!
Pam recently posted..Coconut Peach Muffins
Simple meals like your couscous salad is perfect for when the weather is hot and you don’t feel like preparing a complicated meal. I hope your weather turns nicer soon.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..How Does Your Garden Grow
We have had nothing but rain in the Southeast. Go figure. Your salad looks perfect. I love your colorful line-up Cathy. I received by Singing Dog vanilla! Can hardly wait to try the products. Thank you Thank you!
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