Rating: 4.23 stars
22 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 11
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 1

Finally, a couscous salad that is not bland! This salad is a great addition to your summer meal, or as a lunch any time of year.

Recipe Summary

prep:
25 mins
cook:
5 mins
additional:
20 mins
total:
50 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

8
Original recipe yields 8 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified
Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. When cool, crumble the bacon slices, and set aside.

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  • Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings from the skillet, and cook and stir the onion in the skillet until the edges of the onion begin to turn brown. Set the onion aside.

  • Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, and sprinkle in the couscous. Remove the pan from the heat, let stand for 5 minutes to absorb the water, then fluff the couscous with a fork. Allow couscous to cool.

  • Place the onion, cooled couscous, carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and garbanzos into a salad bowl, and stir lightly to combine.

  • In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, curry powder, and salt and pepper until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix again lightly, and sprinkle with bacon bits.

Cook's Note

You can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. If you are short on time, you can skip the bacon and onions (although everything is better with bacon) and use green onions instead.

Nutrition Facts

212 calories; protein 5.9g; carbohydrates 26.6g; fat 9.1g; cholesterol 5mg; sodium 282.9mg. Full Nutrition
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Reviews (15)

Most helpful positive review

Rating: 5 stars
01/27/2010
I made this for all to bring for lunch as it will keep and not go bad. I did not add the Bacon because the flavor would be bad mixed with the other spices. To keep give it a real protein boost I added garden vegge type of tempeh. That gave the dish the extra punch it needed without the fatty bacon. Read More
(12)

Most helpful critical review

Rating: 3 stars
05/13/2020
I left out the garbanzo beans and doubled up on bell pepper (roommate allergic to cuckes), it was interesting a bit to sweet tho, didn't taste any curry. Will definatley make again, with a few tweeks. Read More
22 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 11
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 1
Rating: 5 stars
01/27/2010
I made this for all to bring for lunch as it will keep and not go bad. I did not add the Bacon because the flavor would be bad mixed with the other spices. To keep give it a real protein boost I added garden vegge type of tempeh. That gave the dish the extra punch it needed without the fatty bacon. Read More
(12)
Rating: 5 stars
05/27/2010
I made this exactly like the recipe (except I always add cumin) and the results were light and textural and very complex flavors. Read More
(9)
Rating: 4 stars
07/19/2010
We thought this was really tasty and different. it might be good with a little garlic added in too. Read More
(8)
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Rating: 5 stars
03/29/2011
Loved it! Light and refreshing with wonderful curry flavor! Little less vinegar to my taste. Stevia instead of sugar makes this a more healthy option! Read More
(3)
Rating: 4 stars
07/19/2012
Could use more curry powder and think I will add cumin next time. Added jalapeno and cilantro which added a nice flavor. Read More
(2)
Rating: 4 stars
10/31/2014
this was very good and simple to make. I used some fresh asparagus instead of the cucumber because that is what I had in the frig. It was good at room temp. and would be good chilled. Very colorful! A little bacon adds a whole lot of flavor so please don't omit the bacon. Read More
(2)
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Rating: 4 stars
06/29/2012
This was good! I didn't have any cucumber, so I shredded some zucchini in there and also shredded the carrot instead of using diced. I only used 1 tsp. of curry powder and that was plenty for us. The flavors were good, and I think this would also be nice w/ some grilled chicken or shrimp added. Thanks for sharing. :) Read More
(1)
Rating: 5 stars
12/10/2012
I didn't have cuckes or chickpeas so omitted them but added tomatoes and green pepper. Otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Would be delicious warm or cold as a main dish or side dish. Definitely don't skip the bacon and caramelized onion step though that takes it from a 4 star to a 5 star dish!!! Oh I also added a few artichoke hearts because I had some that needed to be used up. Super dish!!!:-) Read More
(1)
Rating: 4 stars
04/22/2016
Very good! Will add just a little more curry next time. Read More
Rating: 3 stars
05/13/2020
I left out the garbanzo beans and doubled up on bell pepper (roommate allergic to cuckes), it was interesting a bit to sweet tho, didn't taste any curry. Will definatley make again, with a few tweeks. Read More