Giant Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This easy giant pearl couscous salad combines roasted sweet potato, butternut squash, rose harissa, feta, herbs, and pomegranate seeds for a flavourful vegetarian meal or side dish.
Servings: 6
Calories: 279kcal
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 400 g sweet potato 2 cups, approx 1 large sweet potato
- 400 g butternut squash 2 cups
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup giant couscous also called pearl couscous or Israeli couscous
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons rose harissa paste
- 70 g feta crumbled (½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons parsley or mint or a mix of both, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and butternut squash and cut them into small cubes. Spread the vegetables evenly onto a baking sheet and drizzle with the oil, then sprinkle with the ground cumin.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and slightly crisp.
- Meanwhile, mix the rose harissa paste into the oil and set aside.
- When the vegetables are nearly roasted, cook the giant couscous according to package instructions (boil in double the amount of water for 10 minutes). Drain then stir in the harissa infused oil.
- Add the couscous to a large serving bowl and add the roasted sweet potato and squash and toss gently. Top with the crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds and herbs.
Notes
What is pearl couscous?
Pearl couscous, also called giant couscous or Israeli couscous, is a small toasted pasta shaped into pearls. It has a chewy texture and cooks similarly to pasta rather than traditional couscous.
Can I make pearl couscous salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad works very well for meal prep because pearl couscous holds its texture after chilling. Add herbs and pomegranate seeds just before serving for the freshest finish.
Is rose harissa very spicy?
Rose harissa is usually milder and slightly sweeter than standard harissa. Different brands vary in heat level, so taste before adding the full amount.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes. Replace the feta with a vegan feta alternative or use toasted nuts for salty richness.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Absolutely. The salad tastes good warm, room temperature, or chilled. If serving cold, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours.
Recipe Tips
- Spread the vegetables out well on the tray. Crowded vegetables steam instead of roast.
- Cut the squash and sweet potato into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Salt the couscous cooking water properly. This seasons the salad from the inside.
- If your harissa is particularly spicy, start with less and adjust gradually.
- Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before mixing so the feta does not melt completely.
- Add herbs right before serving for the brightest flavour.
- Toasted nuts add excellent texture if you want extra crunch.
- A squeeze of lemon can help refresh leftovers.
Nutrition
Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 538mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16609IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2mg