Recipe Ingredients
Gather your ingredients!
Pearl Couscous
Make sure you buy couscous that says “pearl” on the label. It’s distinct in it’s texture and size that makes a difference with each bite you take.
Substitute: You can use other types of couscous, just know that it would be so soft and fluffy because it’s smaller in size. Alternatively, you can do this with quinoa, riced cauliflower, farro or orzo.
Leafy Greens
We’re doing a mixture of baby arugula and baby spinach. I love the peppery taste of the arugula and sweetness that comes from baby spinach.
Substitute: Any lettuce or leafy green will work here. Romaine, spring mix, massaged kale, etc.
Sweet Peas
We’re using frozen sweet (green) peas for our recipe to add a little protein, as well as texture and taste to our dish.
Substitute: Edamame, sugar snap peas, white beans, brown lentils, asparagus are all additions and/or substitutions with the peas.
Mini Cucumbers and Pecans
Cucumber for a crunchy veggie and pecans for a crunchy protein to our dish. They add not only texture, but flavor too.
Substitute: Pecans can be changed out for cashews, pistachios, or walnuts. And mini cucumbers for bell peppers, carrots, sugar snap peas, or bite size pieces of cauliflower.
Sumac Onions
We did red onions, olive oil, sumac seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Substitute: Because these are just marinated, you really want to stick with the red onion. The red pepper flakes can be omitted or reduce/increased depending on spice preference.
Basil Vinaigrette
Fresh basil, shallots, garlic, olive oil, lemons, white wine vinegar, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes are the ingredients you’ll need for your homemade dressing.
Substitute: Shallots can be replaced with red onions, lemon for lime, white wine vinegar for white or apple cider vinegar, and again the red pepper flakes can be omitted or reduce/increased depending on spice preference. Alternatively, you can use your own store-bought dressing if you’d prefer on this salad.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.