Apple and Walnut Couscous Salad

This apple and walnut couscous salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for a light lunch or a tasty side dish.

apple couscous salad
You’ll love the crunch of the celery and walnuts, the crisp, sweet apples, the tender couscous and flavourful dressing and herbs.

Also Consider: Chicken & Apple Salad, Apple & Beet Salad, Falafel Salad Bowl with Quinoa & Bulgur

What is Couscous?

Couscous are pellet-shaped kernels made by steaming and crushing semolina flour from durum wheat. It cooks up very quickly and can often be used as a substitute for rice or pasta in many dishes. You can buy whole grain couscous as well as refined couscous (notice the photo above which uses whole grain couscous is a little darker than the white couscous in the photo below).

apple couscous salad

Couscous is made from wheat, so it does contain gluten. 

How do Couscous and Quinoa Compare?

Couscous is sometimes confused with quinoa. Once cooked their size and color are somewhat similar (quinoa has that distinct curly tail (it’s endosperm) and they can be used in many of the same recipes, but couscous and quinoa are quite different. Quinoa is a seed from a plant related to spinach, couscous is made from wheat. They’re both carbohydrates but quinoa offers more protein and nutrients than couscous.

Nutrient wise, quinoa is a better option than couscous. And couscous, especially whole wheat couscous is slightly better nutrient-wise than white rice or pasta.

That’s not to say couscous doesn’t have its place! I’m a firm believe in enjoying balance and variety.  There are times when the quick cooking nature of couscous, its texture and its flavor just can’t be beat. It’s awesome for camping and backcountry meals.

That said, go ahead and try this recipe with quinoa – it’s equally delicious and gluten free!

Recipe for Apple and Walnut Couscous Salad

apple couscous salad in bowl
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Apple and Walnut Couscous Salad

A quick and easy salad that won't wilt and is perfect for picnics. Use whole wheat couscous to make it whole grain or use quinoa to make it gluten free.
Prep : 15 minutes
Cook : 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Water
  • 2/3 cup Couscous
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 1 Apple diced
  • ½ cup Roasted Walnuts chopped
  • Tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Chives* chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Canola Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup or Honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring water to boil. Add couscous. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and cool completely
  • In large bowl, toss cooled couscous, celery, apple, walnuts, parsley and green onions.
  • In small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper. Toss with couscous.

Notes

Yield Makes 4 servings
* Use green onions if chives aren’t in season.
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Interested in more apple recipes – check out the Apple Cookbook with over 50 sweet and savoury recipes and preserves.

Do you use couscous? It’s so quick and easy to prepare. I usually use it when going camping – but really anytime is a good time for couscous! If you give this recipe a try or make any couscous dish, take a photo, post it on Instagram and tag #getgettys so I can see it and like it! It would be great to get other couscous ideas as well.

Select, store and serve seasonal food for everyday cooking with Getty. Getty is a food educator and Professional Home Economistwho loves sharing tips and recipes following the seasons from her Canadian kitchenSign up to get seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox. Learn more about Getty or check out her books and pdf guides.

2 Comments

  1. Just had this for dinner with chicken sausages. Unbelievably tasty! Even the toddler ate some without then spitting it all over himself. I added more cous cous, used olive instead of canola oil and braeburn apples.
    Delicious.

    1. Ciara, that sounds awesome. Love the idea of adding chicken sausage to turn this into a great meal, not just a delicious side or lunchtime salad.

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