Shrimp, Corn, and Summer Squash Pearl Couscous Salad
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Served Person: 4
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- garnishes:
- dressing:
- salad:
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- shrimp:
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- couscous:
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbs ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbs olive oil divided
- 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 1 cloves of garlic - minced
- 2 cups israeli pearl couscous
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 2 ears of corn – husk and silk removed
- 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 2 large summer squash – grated* (yield about 3 cups)
- 1 roasted red pepper – small diced* (yield about 3/4
- 1/4 red onion – finely diced (yield about 1/2 cup)
- 3 large green onions – green and white parts thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic – minced
- 4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon – juice and zest (about 2 tbs juice and 2 ts
- 2 tbs white wine (i used pinot grigio)
- 1 avocado – diced
- 1/3 upfresh flat leaf parsley – roughly chopped
- 1/3 upfresh dill – roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese – freshly shaved or more to taste
- Carbohydrate 80.5039616672496 g
- Cholesterol 38.1356249845149 mg
- Fat 24.2971474966669 g
- Fiber 0.6395145916175 g
- Protein 0.886712292739045 g
- Saturated Fat 10.4356511840483 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (429g)
- Sodium 1636.3204833432 mg
- Sugar 79.8644470756321 g
- Trans Fat 1.39518318733876 g
- Calories 526 calories
A Summer Salad Sensation: Shrimp, Corn, and Summer Squash Pearl Couscous Delight
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This Shrimp, Corn, and Summer Squash Pearl Couscous Salad has become a summer staple in our household, and for good reason! It’s vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight. The combination of sweet corn, delicate summer squash, and succulent shrimp is simply irresistible. The pearl couscous adds a lovely texture, providing a satisfying chewiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
The best part? This salad can be made mostly ahead of time. I usually prepare the couscous and vegetables in the morning, or even the day before. Then, all that’s left to do is grill the shrimp and corn right before serving. This allows me to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The salad's bright and refreshing flavors are perfect for a hot summer evening, whether you're having a casual dinner with the family or entertaining guests.
The Magic of Pearl Couscous: Pearl couscous, or Israeli couscous, is a fun and versatile grain. It's larger than regular couscous, giving it a heartier texture that holds up well in salads. Its slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the subtle earthiness of the summer squash. I love that it cooks quickly, making this recipe even more efficient.
A Flavor Symphony: The dressing in this salad is what elevates it from good to extraordinary. A blend of olive oil, lemon juice, white wine, honey, and a touch of cumin and chili powder creates a complex and flavorful sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness and saltiness of the other ingredients. The fresh herbs add a vibrant pop of freshness, while the shaved parmesan cheese provides a satisfying salty bite.
Grilling for Extra Flavor: Grilling the shrimp and corn adds a smoky depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. The char marks on the corn add a beautiful visual appeal, too. It's a simple step but makes a world of difference in the overall taste of the salad.
This Shrimp, Corn, and Summer Squash Pearl Couscous Salad is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a celebration of summer's bounty, a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients, and a reminder that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips for Success:
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the couscous and vegetable salad a day or two in advance for maximum convenience.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them until they are just pink and opaque.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Add other fresh herbs, like cilantro or mint, to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it a Meal Prep Staple: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Beyond the Recipe: This salad is a perfect option for a summer picnic, a potluck gathering, or a light yet satisfying lunch. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an attractive and delicious addition to any occasion. I often double or even triple this recipe when I'm hosting a get-together, as it's always a crowd-pleaser.
So, this summer, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this Shrimp, Corn, and Summer Squash Pearl Couscous Salad. It's a dish that will impress your family and friends while remaining surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy!
Step-by-step
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, baking soda, salt and sugar. Toss to coat. Thread the shrimp onto sets of 2 skewers, rotating heads to tails and threading the shrimp so they are snuggly pushed together. Each set of 2 skewers should fit about 6 shrimp. Transfer the shrimp skewers on top of a baking dish so they are suspended above the bottom of the dish. Place, uncovered, in the refrigerator and allow the shrimp to rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil with garlic, cumin and chili powder. In a separate bowl combine remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil with the lemon juice. Set both aside.
- Prepare the Couscous: Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the couscous, salt and butter. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the squash. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red bell pepper, red onion, scallions and garlic. Stir to combine. Add the cooled couscous & squash. Toss to combine. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, lemon juice, zest, white wine, honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk well. Pour over the vegetables and couscous. Toss thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Set aside in the refrigerator.
- Grill the Shrimp & Corn: When hour is up, heat grill to high. For the Corn: Grill corn, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat to a clean work surface. Brush with butter and season with salt and pepper and set aside. When cool enough to handle, remove kernels from cob using a serrated knife. Add to the salad. For the Shrimp: Brush both sides of the shrimp with the garlic and oil mixture. Grill shrimp, turning occasionally, until cooked through (to internal temperature of 140 degrees – shrimp will continue to cook when you remove them) about 4-5 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a clean work surface and remove from skewers. Toss the shrimp in the oil and lemon mixture to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Salad: Add the shrimp, avocado, fresh herbs, and parmesan to the salad. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
