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 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.
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.
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.
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Couscous Salad with Dates, Nuts and Apricots
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp pine nuts
- 2 Tbsp pistachios shelled
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1/4 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
- Place dry couscous in a bowl.
- 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.
- In a skillet on medium heat the rest of the oil. Add in the nuts, and the carrot.
- Stir until the carrot begins to soften.
- Remove from heat and pour over the couscous. Stir in the dates, apricots and fresh cilantro, and mix well.
- Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt.
- This dish can be served warm or cold depending on your preference.
Denise Wright
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!
Analida
Hi Denise! I hope our husband likes it.
Let me know the verdict! 🙂
Martin @ The Why Chef
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!
Analida
Thanks Martin! I think you will like it.
Kristen
I love this sweet and salty combo–so delightful!
Analida
Thanks Kristen!
Caroline
I love apricots and nuts in couscous and dates are good in anything! Sounds tasty
Analida
It is super tasty Caroline. If you make it, let me know how you like it.
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love sweet and savory combinations like this, is sounds wonderful, great for a barbeque!
Analida
Hi Joy! Yes, it goes great with barbecue.
Nicole @ Yumsome
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!
Analida
Hi Nicole! Wow, yo used to live in Morocco, how exciting. Morocco is on my bucket list.
Yes, dates and couscous is awesome! 🙂
Sara
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.
Analida
Hi Sara, thanks for commenting. Try it, I think you will like it.
karen
That’s so gorgeous and sounds delicious! Love the plates too. In fact, I’m coveting them =)
Analida
Thanks! 🙂
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I love cous cous, especially with nuts, dates and other dried fruits. There is nothing better for a summer salad.
Analida
Thanks Laura! I know, it is great for summer. It is so refreshing AND healthy!