Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds
A refreshing couscous salad bursting with bright citrus segments, chewy dates, and crunchy toasted almonds, tossed in a zesty orange dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs couscous, boiling water, orange juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups couscous
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped Medjool dates
- 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 1 cup blood orange segments
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 1/2 cups couscous in a large bowl and pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over it. Cover tightly and let sit for 5 minutes until water is absorbed and couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp orange zest until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped pitted Medjool dates, 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, 1 cup blood orange segments, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint to the couscous. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep couscous from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus and Date Couscous Salad with Toasted Almonds vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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