• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Analida's Ethnic Spoon

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home >> Turkish

    Cous Cous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots

    Published: June 5, 2016 • Modified: February 22, 2022 • by Author: Analida • Word count:631 words. • About 4 minutes to read this article.

    397 shares
    • 28
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    How about a nice cool summer salad! Try an Anatolian Turkish style couscous salad with dates, apricots and pistachios. Serve cold and top with some yogurt. A nice combination of sweet and savory. | ethnicspoon.com

     

    a plate of Turkish couscous salad with a spoon and a stack of plates around the dish

    Jump to:
    • A Twist on Tradition
    • History of Dates
    • The Texture of the Dish
    • Couscous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots Recipe Card

    A Twist on Tradition

    Cous cous salad with dates, nuts, and apricots is a slight twist on a typical Turkish dish from the region of Anatolia(a large region of Turkey). It is an awesome side dish to take to a picnic, or dinner party. The traditional dish uses bulgur wheat, but I felt compelled to improvise when I opened my cupboard and gasp, no bulgur, but plenty of cous cous!

    Although it's not 100% authentic, it does retain the cultural heritage of the dish. A sweet savory combo that goes well with just about anything. Dates give this cous cous salad recipe an interesting taste. Dates lend a sweet note to savory and sweet dishes alike in North African, Turkish, and Middle Eastern countries. I love dates, they are so good for you and taste good too. Last year one of our Fulbright students from Morocco shared an interesting aspect of her culture with me: "In Morocco, it is customary to offer a guest dates and tea upon arrival." This custom has its origins in the country's nomadic past.

    a plate of cous cous salad with carrots, dates, and greens with a stack of plates behind

    History of Dates

    Dates were the first exotic fruit to be known in Europe. In antiquity Aristotle called them daktylos, from the Greek word for fingers. In Roman times they were sold in theaters in gilded paper. Dates are indeed an ancient fruit, and an integral part in the cultural development of nomadic cultures. Why? Well, dates travel very well; thus providing much needed energy in long treks. Dates were sacred to the Sumerians and the Babylonians, and also revered by the Egyptians. They were also utilized to make an alcoholic beverage called shekar.

    a white plate with cous cous topped with yogurt and cilantro with a fork and serving dish in the background

    The Texture of the Dish

    In this cous cous salad with dates, nuts and apricots, sweet and savory flavors mix together beautifully as well as texture. Crunchy nuts, and grainy cous cous contrast nicely with sweet soft dates and apricots. The creamy yogurt that is served with the dish pairs well with the overall dry nature of the other ingredients and lends the dish a slight tangy touch. It's a great contrast.

    Serve this dish alongside grilled chicken, lamb kebabs or the protein of your choice. Enjoy! BTW, don't forget to share this post with your friends and family.

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook

    Try a Turkish style couscous salad with dates, apricots and pistachios. This is a great summer dish served cold topped with some yogurt. A nice combination of sweet and savory. | ethnicspoon.com
    5 from 1 vote
    Print

    Couscous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots Recipe Card

    Turkish style salad with couscous dates, nuts, and apricots is a slight twist on a typical Turkish dish from the region of Anatolia.  Crunchy nuts, and grainy couscous contrast nicely with sweet soft dates and apricots. The creamy yogurt that is served with the dish pairs well with the overall dry nature of the other ingredients and lends the dish a slight tangy touch.

    Course Main dish
    Cuisine Turkish
    Keyword Anatolia, cold couscous salad, fast and easy recipe, food history, vegetarian
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings: Change to adjust-> 6 servings
    Calories 233 kcal
    Author Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup couscous
    • 1 ½ cup water
    • 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
    • ½ tsp Kosher salt
    • 1 Tbsp pine nuts
    • 2 Tbsp pistachios shelled
    • 1 carrot shredded
    • ¼ cup dates chopped and pits removed
    • 8 apricots dried, cut into strips
    • 3 Tbsp cilantro chopped
    • 1 cup yogurt plain, vegan yogurt works also

    Instructions

    1. Place dry couscous in a bowl.
    2. In a small saucepan or in the microwave boil water with 2 tsp. of olive oil and salt. Pour over the couscous. Stir a couple of times. Allow to sit until the liquid has been absorbed.
    3. In a skillet on medium heat the rest of the oil. Add in the nuts, and the carrot.
    4. Stir until the carrot begins to soften.
    5. Remove from heat and pour over the couscous. Stir in the dates, apricots and fresh cilantro, and mix well.
    6. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt.
    7. This dish can be served warm or cold depending on your preference.
    Nutrition Facts
    Couscous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots Recipe Card
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 233 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Cholesterol 5mg2%
    Sodium 226mg10%
    Potassium 340mg10%
    Carbohydrates 35g12%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 10g11%
    Protein 6g12%
    Vitamin A 2660IU53%
    Vitamin C 5.6mg7%
    Calcium 73mg7%
    Iron 0.8mg4%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     

    You might also like to try these:

    • Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Wraps
      Try a spicy new wrap! Creamy and spicy curry chicken salad wrap add a bit of ethnic flair to your lunch or dinner. You can also slice these narrow and serve as an appetizer too! The secret sauce: a bit of my homemade curry blend whipped into some Greek yogurt. This is a really healthy recipe wrapped in a large flour tortilla! | ethnicspoon.com
    • Cornish Hens Stuffed with Couscous, Dates and Parsley
      You will love the simple and delicious dish! Tender and delicious Tyson® All Natural Premium Cornish Hens stuffed with couscous, dates, onions and parsley. So easy to make, roast right in your oven! #CheersToAPerfectPair ad |ethnicspoon.com
    • Cannellini Bean, Parsley, Tomato, Red Onion Salad
      Quick and easy! Here is a must try summer bean salad when you want to eat something cool or take to a picnic. The flavors are fantastic with fresh parsley and tarragon for nice herbal note. | ethnicspoon.com
    « Spicy Curry Lentil Burgers
    15 Grape Moments in Wine History »
    397 shares
    • 28

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise Wright

      June 06, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      I love this combination....fruit and nuts in any salad are a hit with me. I think I'm going to make this tomorrow for my hubby. I think he will love it!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 06, 2016 at 6:08 pm

        Hi Denise! I hope our husband likes it.
        Let me know the verdict! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Martin @ The Why Chef

      June 06, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      I'm a big fan of cous cous and of dates - never thought to put them together, but I can already taste how it would work really well! Can't wait to cook this up!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 06, 2016 at 6:07 pm

        Thanks Martin! I think you will like it.

        Reply
    3. Kristen

      June 06, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      I love this sweet and salty combo--so delightful!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 06, 2016 at 6:06 pm

        Thanks Kristen!

        Reply
    4. Caroline

      June 06, 2016 at 7:54 pm

      I love apricots and nuts in couscous and dates are good in anything! Sounds tasty

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 07, 2016 at 2:26 pm

        It is super tasty Caroline. If you make it, let me know how you like it.

        Reply
    5. Joy @ Joy Love Food

      June 07, 2016 at 7:47 am

      I love sweet and savory combinations like this, is sounds wonderful, great for a barbeque!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 07, 2016 at 2:25 pm

        Hi Joy! Yes, it goes great with barbecue.

        Reply
    6. Nicole @ Yumsome

      June 10, 2016 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      I love couscous... and y'know what? Even though I used to live in Morocco, it never occurred to me to put dates with it! I'm about to remedy this right now!

      Thank you so much - so glad I found your blog on A Mummy Too's link-up!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 12, 2016 at 12:56 pm

        Hi Nicole! Wow, yo used to live in Morocco, how exciting. Morocco is on my bucket list.
        Yes, dates and couscous is awesome! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Sara

      June 10, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      I love couscous! I will have to try this, it looks so good! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! Visiting from http://www.twelveonmain.com. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 12, 2016 at 12:56 pm

        Hi Sara, thanks for commenting. Try it, I think you will like it.

        Reply
    8. karen

      July 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      That's so gorgeous and sounds delicious! Love the plates too. In fact, I'm coveting them =)

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 28, 2016 at 11:25 am

        Thanks! 🙂

        Reply
    9. [email protected]

      July 28, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      I love cous cous, especially with nuts, dates and other dried fruits. There is nothing better for a summer salad.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 29, 2016 at 9:30 am

        Thanks Laura! I know, it is great for summer. It is so refreshing AND healthy!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

    Monthly Featured - Middle Eastern

    • Dolmas- Stuffed Grape Leaves
    • Pistachio Rosewater Cookies
    • Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
    • Lebanese Cheese Fatayer

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Our site contains affiliate links to help maintain our publishing activities. If you make a purchase from a link on our site, we may receive a small percentage of that sale, at no extra cost to you. Ethnicspoon.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2022 EthnicSpoon.com

    Copyright © 2022 Website managed by SiteCare.com