I did a Trader Joe's run today and the moment I walked in I noticed they were selling huge Sweet Basil Plants for $2.99!! You must go get one! Anyway, while I was shopping I also found this wonderful blend of Israeli CousCous, Orzo, Baby Garbanzo Beans and Red Quinoa. Trader Joe's calls it Harvest Grains Blend. I don't think that couscous or orzo are really grains. They are more like pasta. Which is from wheat. Which is a grain. But Garbanzo Beans are beans, right? At any rate, it's delicious.
There's that cute little cupcake book in the background. That reminds me, it's time for more cupcake making!
Here is what I put into this yummy salad:
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh sweet basil
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/2 cup sliced olives
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
Saute the garlic for about 1 minute in 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Remove from pan and set aside.
Toast the Harvest Grain Blend in 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Bring the Chicken Broth to a boil in a medium sized sauce pot. Add the Harvest Grain Blend. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Pour into a big bowl and allow to cool down just a bit.
Add the tomato, olives, basil, garlic, remaining olive oil, lemon juice and pepper. You can serve this room temperature or chilled.
This salad had a nice fresh mellow flavor. Another good one for summer!
If any of you can think of a better name for this salad let me know. If I like your idea, I will pick up a package of Harvest Grains Blend and send it to you!
Click Here for a printable version of this recipe.
If any of you can think of a better name for this salad let me know. If I like your idea, I will pick up a package of Harvest Grains Blend and send it to you!
Click Here for a printable version of this recipe.
~Good Stuff~
25 comments:
I love Israeli couscous. There aren't a lot of recipes for it , so I especially appreciate yours. My collection is meager and I'd like to serve it more often.
This looks great! I've never heard of Israeli CousCous before. Aren't we having wonderful weather? The last few recipes are perfect for the season!! Hope you're enjoying it!
I've only recently discovered couscous and am enamored with its versatility. This salad looks so good! I can't wait to try it! YUM!
Hmmm... looks so yummy. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I don't know why every time I see an image of garlic being sauteed in oil, I seem to smell it personally here and now. Hmmm... and I love that smell, reminds me of so many recipes my late Mom used to cook for us.
What a gorgeous salad.. its vibrant, colorful, and perfect for this time of year!!
Great looking couscous. I normally use regular couscous but I have a package of Israeli couscous sitting on my shelf and I've yet to try it. This would be an excellent way to put it to good use.
Sam
I've often found Israeli cous cous to have a weird texture. But maybe its because i think of it as cous cous rather than pasta. I'll have to give it another try. :)
I was at Findlay Market yesterday and saw something just like that but was at a loss on how to prepare it! I will have to go back next weekend! I knew I should have picked it up. The salad looks so fresh and delicious. Thanks for sharing! Have a great week.
Mmmmmmmmmm. I love couscous!
What a great recipe I wish we had a Trader Joes close by. Looks perfect.
wow I love cous cous have to try it this way
I got the basil plant and also a sage, thyme and rosemary plant there for $2.99...I love TJ's. I've been wanting to try the Israeli couscous - thanks for letting me know it's worth buying. I am loving your panini!
Looks great!!
I have regular couscous-can it be made this way too?
Paninis and cous cous? How delecatable!
I haven't had Israeli couscous yet. I've got to try that one. I think a Trader Joe's run is in order. =) Looks very delicious.
Okay, I've gotta to go Trader Joe's today and check it out. Perhaps I'll even pick up this cous cous for this salad, it looks fantastic!
I have a little award for you on my blog!
This looks great with all the goodies you put in it! And the dressing is wonderful with the fresh basil.
Lemon & Basil Harvest Grain Salad
Your salad looks fantastic. I love Israeli couscous and this is a tasty, wonderful way to serve it!
Please come cook for us! I am so sick of cooking.
This looks yummy, minus the olives.
I always enjoy CousCous, but my family has been a hard sell. This recipe might just turn them into fans.
I love couscous. I should make it more often, maybe I will
Oh yeah, I like that grain blend from TJs, though you have a good point about it not all being grain!
Oh wow -that looks awesome! I love couscous and orzo. I make things with orzo all the time, I love the texture and size.
You always make the yummiest things. I can't wait to see your cupcakes!
XOXO
Jen
Delightful!
I love couscous - I don't think I realized there was a difference between couscouses (is that even a word?). I guess I'm usually eating the Moroccan kind. I did, however, have Israeli couscous at The Altitude in Laramie, Wyoming - I just didn't realize it. ;)
And those panini look so delicious! I usally do my panini on my George Foreman grill. :)
Oh and I have not one but THREE basil plants so I will have to try out these delights.
I was looking through your blog for more yummie recipies to make... and just noticed the little lego man sitting in your shot of ingredients... totally made me laugh! I can't believe I didnt see that before.
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