7 Layer Couscous Salad Recipes

7-LAYER SALAD WITH PINE NUT PESTO, BACON AND ROASTED BEETS WITH TOASTY ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash the beets and remove the stem and root ends. Wrap each beet in aluminum foil so that the opening is at the top of the beets. Roast for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center enters easily. While the beets are roasting, spread the almonds onto a baking sheet and bake in the same oven for 6 minutes or until the nuts appear toasted. Prepare the hardboiled eggs by placing the eggs into a saucepan that is large enough to hold them in a single layer. Top with cold water until the eggs are submerged and there is 1 inch of water above them. Heat over medium-high heat. When the water comes to a rolling boil, remove the pot from the heat, cover and let sit for 12 minutes. Remove the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool before peeling. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise and set aside.
• In the blender, blend the basil, pine nuts, salt, sugar and olive oil until combined and slightly chunky. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sour cream and red wine vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• The 7 layers: (1) In a large glass (or trifle) dish, combine the iceberg lettuce and celery slices. Gently push this mixture back from the sides to arrange the eggs so that the yolks are facing outward and the eggs "standing up" along the walls of the bowl. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of the dressing over the lettuce and celery mixture. (2) Toss the cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and layer on top of the lettuce. (2) Drizzle the tomatoes with all but 2 tablespoons of the pine nut pesto. (3) Top with the peas (4), then the cheese (5), then the beets, and all but 2 tablespoons of the remaining dressing (6). When ready to serve, top with the warm bacon and the almonds (7). Dot the top with remaining pesto and remaining dressing.

7-LAYER COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the butter with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to incorporate the melted butter, then stir in the couscous, cover with a tight-fitting lid and remove from the heat. Let stand until the couscous absorbs the water completely and is tender, 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork, transfer to a large bowl and let cool.
• Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl until emulsified. Transfer the vinaigrette to an airtight container and set aside.
• Combine the cucumbers with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the same medium bowl and toss together.
• Use a rubber spatula or small offset spatula to spread the hummus on the bottom of a 4-quart round trifle dish. Arrange the cucumbers on top in an even flat layer.
• Transfer the couscous to the same medium bowl and stir in the onions, parsley and 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Scatter the mixture over the cucumbers and gently press to flatten into an even layer.
• Wipe out the medium bowl and add the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss to combine. Arrange the tomatoes on top of the couscous, then top with the olives.
• Toss the lettuce with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the same medium bowl. Arrange the lettuce on top of the olives, then top with the feta. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on top and serve immediately.

7-LAYER PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the label directs), adding the broccoli during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and rinse under cool water; shake off the excess. Remove the broccoli and pat dry.
• Whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, 1/4 cup chives, the parsley, half of the lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta and a few tablespoons of the dressing in a medium bowl.
• Assemble the salad: Toss the avocados with the remaining lime juice in a large glass serving bowl and season with salt; arrange in an even layer. Top with layers of the ham, broccoli, pasta, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle some of the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives, or cover and refrigerate the salad and dressing separately up to 6 hours. (Bring to room temperature before serving.)

SEVEN LAYER SALAD

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside.
• In a large flat bowl, place the chopped lettuce and top with a layer of onion, peas, shredded cheese, cauliflower and bacon.
• Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle over salad and refrigerate until chilled.

7-LAYER SALAD

Steps:

• Layer lettuce, cucumber, peas, Cheddar cheese, and egg, respectively, in a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
• Whisk creamy salad dressing, sugar, and vinegar together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; spread over the egg layer. Crumble bacon over dressing layer.