Couscous And Cucumber Salad With Buttermilk Dill Dressing Recipes

COUSCOUS AND CUCUMBER SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK- DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and gradually stir in couscous.
• Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes; fluff with a fork, cool.
• Combine buttermilk, and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk.
• Add couscous, bell pepper, onions, and cucumbers; toss gently.

CUCUMBER DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Peel, seed and shred cucumber; gently squeeze out liquid. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, mayonnaise and vinegar. Stir in cucumber, green onion, garlic, dill and pepper. (Make-ahead: refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week.).

CUCUMBER DILL DRESSING (FAT-FREE)

Steps:

• Peel and seed the cucumbers.
• Put the cucumbers in a blender or food processor.
• Pulse to chop.
• Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and add the juice to the blender/processor.
• Add the rest of the ingredients.
• Blend 3-5 seconds.
• The dressing should be the consistency of liquidy applesauce.

SALMON AND COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CUCUMBER-FETA DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In the center of a sheet pan, place salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry, then coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Coat 1 of the lime halves in some of the olive oil in the pan, then place cut-side up in the corner.
• Roast the salmon on the center rack until opaque on the outside and light pink in the center, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
• While the salmon roasts, make the couscous: In a lidded pot over medium-high heat, toast the couscous, uncovered, stirring until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, season with salt, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain an active simmer, then cook until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous in a colander, then drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Stir in the arugula, letting it wilt. Leave in the sink to cool slightly while you make the dressing.
• Prepare the dressing: In a serving bowl, combine the yogurt with 1/4 cup room temperature water and the zest and juice of 1 lime, then whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin, plus 1/4 cup feta, most of the herbs (reserving some for garnish) and the cucumber. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.
• Add the cooked couscous and arugula to the yogurt mixture, tossing to combine. Remove the salmon from the skin, then flake with a fork. Add half the salmon to the couscous, mixing it together. Place the remaining salmon on top, squeeze the roasted lime half over the dish, then garnish with the scallions, remaining feta, parsley and mint. Quarter the remaining lime half and serve it on the side.