When it comes to pasta salads, I like to have them loaded with veggies. I also prefer to use a vinegar and oil based dressing instead of a mayo based one for pasta salads. If you like both of those concepts and some bacon then let me introduce you to your new favorite pasta salad. This Easy Couscous & Veggie Pasta Salad is going to be your go-to recipe for sure.
Substitutes and Variations:
You dont have to use the Israeli Couscous as it may be difficult to locate. But I do suggest that you stick to a smaller pasta varietal like orzo or ditalini. You can also swap out the bacon for chopped up Salami for a slightly different flavor profile.
Suggestions for Sides:
This makes any excellent side for any bbq or potluck. Its good with grilled chicken, ribs, pulled pork, steaks, burgers… you name it.
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
The knife cuts are very important for this recipe. You want to get all of the veggies cut to basically the same shape and size. And those need to be fairly close to the size of the pasta you use.
Now Let’s Get Cookin’!
Easy Couscous & Veggie Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pearl Coucous
- ½ lb Bacon cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 Red Bell Pepper small diced
- 1 English Cucumber peeled, seeded, small diced
- ½ Red Onion small diced
- ½ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup Avocado Oil
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Lemon zested and juiced
- ¼ cup Honey
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ¼ cup Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all of the ingredients.
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove to paper towel covered plate and let cool.
- Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the couscous and water to a pan (use measurements as listed on the package). Cook as directed on package (usually covered over medium-high heat). Drain in colander and rinse with cool water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add bacon, dressing and veggies to bowl with couscous. Toss to combine. Cover and place in refrigerator until ready to serve.
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Sounds delicious! I love couscous, but I’ve never thought about adding veggies to it.
Its so good! I love mixing couscous with veggies (hot and cold!)