Tender peas, couscous, mint, and cucumber tossed in lemon dressing—refreshing Mediterranean side for spring.
# Components:
→ Grains
01 - 1 1/2 cups couscous
02 - 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth or water
→ Vegetables & Herbs
03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
04 - 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced
07 - 1 small English cucumber, diced
08 - 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
→ Dressing
09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
15 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
16 - Extra mint leaves
# Steps:
01 - Bring vegetable broth or water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - If using fresh peas, blanch in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking. If using thawed frozen peas, skip blanching.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, peas, mint, parsley, scallions, cucumber, and radishes if using.
05 - Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Top with crumbled feta cheese and extra mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
