Fresh Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Perfect Wine Pairings

Lily Ploegmakers 05.September.2024 0 comments

Hello, wine enthusiasts and home chefs! Are you on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant dish to pair with your favourite wines? Look no further. This Mediterranean couscous salad is packed with flavourful cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and roasted chickpeas, making it perfect for your next picnic or lunchbox. And the best part? We've paired this delightful salad with three exquisite wines from our collection to elevate your dining experience.

Ingredients

900g cherry tomatoes, half for roasting, half raw
200g dry couscous
15ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling (Buy here)
15ml fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
1 garlic clove, minced
Leaves from 6 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
250g roasted chickpeas, tossed with ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika before roasting
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
50g crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Roast the Tomatoes:

Roast 2 cups of the cherry tomatoes. These can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.

2. Cook the Couscous:

Cook the couscous according to the package directions until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and several grinds of pepper.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

Add the cooled couscous to the bowl and toss. Slice the remaining raw cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl along with the roasted tomatoes, the chickpeas, basil, cucumbers, and feta. Top with more thyme and basil and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Perfect Wine Pairings

To complement the vibrant flavours of this Mediterranean couscous salad, we recommend these exquisite wines:

Alta Alella Parvus Organic 2020 Rose Wine

This organic Rosé from Alta Alella is the epitome of freshness and elegance. Its light body and crisp acidity beautifully balance the sweet and tangy flavours of both the roasted and raw cherry tomatoes. The subtle floral notes and delicate fruitiness make it a delightful pairing with the feta and fresh herbs in the salad.

AR Colheita Especial 2020 White Wine

This special harvest white wine offers a harmonious blend of floral and citrus notes, which pair wonderfully with the zesty lemon juice in the dressing. Its slightly creamy texture complements the couscous and roasted chickpeas, creating a balanced and refreshing palate experience.

120 Reserva Especial 2019 Chardonnay White Wine

For those who prefer a richer wine, the 120 Reserva Especial 2019 Chardonnay offers a perfect match. Its buttery texture and hints of vanilla provide a luxurious contrast to the crisp cucumbers and fresh basil. The wine’s vibrant acidity ensures it remains refreshing, making it an ideal companion for this hearty salad.

Conclusion

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a home chef, or someone who loves healthy eating, this Fresh Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a must-try. Pair it with one of our expertly selected wines and take your dining experience to the next level.

Ready to explore more wine pairings? Visit our wine store and discover the perfect bottle for your next culinary adventure.

Enjoy and happy cooking!

Note: This post is brought to you by Dis&Dis, where quality wines meet exceptional taste.

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