An old CL fav, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad (6/2000)

[applecrisp]

I made an old CL favorite this weekend, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad (June 2000). Many thanks to Canice for posting about it a few years back. It is a favorite summer salad, especially when I have great tomatoes on hand. I had it along with some grlled chicken.

I didn't make the whole recipe, and upped the amount of tomatoes and cheese. And, added some lemon zest.

I thought I would post the recipe.

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad

2 cups diced tomato
3/4 cup (3 ounces) diced fresh mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Basil leaves (optional)

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; cool. Add couscous and fresh basil to tomato mixture; toss gently. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.

Yield: 5 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

CALORIES 186(29% from fat); FAT 6g (sat 2.5g,mono 2.5g,poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 7.9g; CHOLESTEROL 13mg; CALCIUM 99mg; SODIUM 308mg; FIBER 2.1g; IRON 1.1mg; CARBOHYDRATE 26.5g
Cooking Light, JUNE 2000

Canice posted

[bobhaas]

This sounds like the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ. I'll have to give it a try.

[haley17]

I love this salad but I haven't made it in awhile. Thanks for posting. I used this recipe as a starting point and added whatever I had in the refrigerator. I really liked adding roasted veggies like mushrooms or peppers and using ww couscous.

[applecrisp]

I made it again today since I wanted to use up the fresh mozzarella since it seems to go bad so quickly. Had to twist my arm. I did add the basil to the tomato mixture rather than adding at the end.

Bob -- I think its a great side. A bit different from the usual side.

Haley -- I also use ww couscous (TJ's) Thanks for the idea of adding grilled veggies, that sounds like a great add.

[luvItalian]

My DD has been asking and asking me to make this again. I will take this as a sign to get moving. Thanks for posting me the reminder.

[Natasha]

This has been a standby for me as well since the recipe came out. I just made it last week, in fact! Agreed that it can be a good side dish with just about anything summery (as well as a nice little meal on its own).

[applecrisp]

Looks like others are a fan of this couscous salad too.

I thought I would post a recipe that has a similar profile. Elisabeth13 posted this recipe a few years back, and it is one of my absolute favoite recipes from the CLBB ever. Thanks Elisabeth13.

The lemom and zest are definitely key!

Here's the recipe and OP's comments.

Summer Tomato Pasta
________________________________________
I've just dug out this favorite in the last couple weeks as we have fresh basil coming up in the garden, and tomatoes are starting to look good at the co-op...I was hesitant to share on here because I'm sure it's very similar to summer recipes that many of you already make...but I just had this for lunch again today, and it's so darn good, I figured I might as well post it. The lemon zest really makes it stand out, IMO. Usually splash in a bit more vinegar, I think it will definitely be good with regular-sized tomatoes...I make it that way sometimes, so I can vouch for it!

Summer Tomato Pasta

1 pound penne pasta (or other thick, tubular variety)
1 pound grape or cherry tomatoes
10 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
zest and juice from 1 lemon
15 basil leaves, minced

Quarter and seed tomatoes.
Slice mozzarella into small chunks.
Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, and basil in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and mozzarella.
While the other ingredients are marinating, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
Toss pasta with tomato mixture.

makes 7 1-cup servings


Elisabeth13 posted, 708

[RebelYell18]

I love that one too, applecrisp! Thanks for reminding me of it