Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Couscous steamed in orange juice with cinnamon and cumin, then tossed with dried apricots, toasted almonds and fresh parsley while still warm. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs couscous, boiling water, orange zest 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 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 cup couscous in a large bowl and pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over it, cover tightly and let stand for 5 minutes until water is absorbed and couscous is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp orange zest, and 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the warm spices.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup toasted chopped almonds, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for texture and freshness.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and 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 Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and 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 Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Citrus Couscous Salad with Apricots and 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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