Lunchbox Friendly Pearl Couscous Salad

Metal Bento Lunchbox Packed with CousCous Salad, Melon Balls, Bell Pepper Stips, Cucumber, Hummus and a Oat Ball.

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5 from 3 votes

Lunchbox Friendly Pearl Couscous Salad

Serve this salad as part of the main meal and pack the leftovers in the lunchbox the next day.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Lunch, Main Meal

Cuisine: Western

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 253kcal

Author: Amy

Ingredients

Couscous

1 teaspoon olive oil
½ small onion
250g (1½ cups) pearl couscous
375ml (1½ cups) vegetable or chicken broth/stock low sodium
250ml (1 cup) water

Salad

1 red bell pepper (capsicum) finely chopped
2 cucumber seeds removed and diced
2 cups baby spinach finely chopped
¼ cup parsley finely chopped (optional or sub with cilantro/coriander)

Dressing

2 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Honey do not add for baby
¾ tsp Salt skip for baby/younger children

Instructions

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent and starting to brown (around 5 mins)
Add the couscous and stir for 1 minute. Add the broth/stock and water and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and turn the heat to medium-low so it is simmering gently.
Cook for 10 mins, until all the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked through. Use a fork to separate the couscous and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Place all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to mix well.
Add the salad ingredient into the bowl with the couscous, add the dressing and toss until combined.

Notes

Pearl Couscous is also known as Israeli couscous, giant couscous or ptitim.

Salad Ingredients - Not all kids will like the salad ingredients and herbs. You can get creative and change the ratios or salad ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding cherry tomatoes, add a handful of peas or corn or throw in some chopped olives.

Storage - Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If you wish to meal prep you can store the cooked couscous (undressed and without the salad ingredients added) for up to 4 days refrigerated.

Nutritional information is a rough guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.

Nutrition