Couscous Salad with Summer Vegetables

To make a bigger meal of this salad, just add fresh grilled sea bass, salmon, or chicken.

You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced yellow squash
• 2 cups Israeli couscous (not Moroccan)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons pure chili pepper powder
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper (1/4-inch dice)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper (1/4-inch dice)
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper (1/4-inch dice)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a Large Pot:
Bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook just until tender but still crisp, about 2 minutes.

Scoop the vegetables out of the water with a sieve, reserving the boiling water. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside.

Add the couscous to the boiling water and cook it until tender (10 minutes or more). Drain the couscous. Rinse it well with cold running water, then drain it well again.

In a large bowl:
Whisk the lime juice, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili pepper powder.
Gradually whisk in the oil. Mix in the couscous, reserved vegetables, cilantro, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until chilled. This salad can be prepared a day ahead; just reseason with lime juice, salt, and pepper before serving.

Serves 12.