Autumn Couscous Salad Recipe (Straightforward + Flavorful!)
This autumn couscous salad recipe is healthful, hearty and tremendous flavorful. It really is the perfect salad of the season — and since it makes use of hearty substances, it retains tremendous effectively for a number of days within the fridge (aka nice for meal prep!).
It’s cozy, contemporary salad that’s excellent for lunch, gatherings, or to function a straightforward aspect dish. I can’t wait so that you can attempt it ❤️.
- All the autumn flavors: I’m talkin’ butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, hearty kale, and essentially the most superb do-it-yourself maple balsamic dressing.
- Straightforward prep: Essentially the most time consuming a part of this recipe is roasting the veggies. Apart from that, it’s all about meeting. Plus, it retains effectively within the fridge for the week.
- Customizable: Don’t have every part available for this salad? I’m recommending a number of simple swaps to customise this recipe to your liking or what you could have available.

Elements Wanted
- Veggies: Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, kale and pink onion come collectively so as to add add a lot crunch, and stability in taste.
- Herbs: Thyme is an iconic herb of autumn, and also you’ll want contemporary Thyme for this salad. I don’t suggest substituting for dried Thyme.
- Combine-ins: You’ll combine in pearl couscous, Boursin cheese and crunchy lentils proper earlier than serving. All 3 add nice taste depth and contrasting texture.
- Dressing: This do-it-yourself dressing can’t be beat! The mix of balsamic vinegar, maple, dijon and salt (amongst a number of different pantry staples) actually is integral to the flavour of this salad. If you happen to should go together with store-bought, I like to recommend a balsamic dressing.

- Butternut squash –> Candy potatoes or carrots
- Couscous –> Quinoa, barley, farro or another grain
- Boursin cheese –> Any mushy cheese like goat or feta (you possibly can even skip the cheese if you wish to maintain this dairy free)
- Add a meat protein –> After I serve this salad as a primary dish, I like so as to add a meat protein. My go-to is my bone-in crispy chicken thighs, however my air fryer chicken breast, would even be delish.
Ideas for Making This Couscous Salad Recipe
For fluffy and by no means mushy couscous: I like to recommend making your pearl couscous based on bundle instructions, after which straining off any further liquid and giving it a fast rinse below chilly water. Then, unfold it out on a paper towel to soak up any extra liquid when you assemble the remainder of the salad.
Can’t discover crunchy lentils? I get it! Generally they are often exhausting to search out at some grocery shops. Be at liberty to substitute your favourite chopped nut. I’ve made this salad with chopped walnuts and shelled solar flower seeds, and each have been scrumptious options.

The way to Serve It
This autumn salad is ideal for fall gatherings, meal prep for simple lunch, as a aspect dish, or a primary. It really is that versatile! Wish to add a meat protein? Serve it with my crispy parmesan crusted chicken and even this perfect spatchcock chicken.
Retailer leftover couscous salad in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3-5 days. Toss once more earlier than serving leftovers to freshen issues up and redistribute the dressing.
Extra of My Favourite Salad Recipes
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Preheat the oven to 450ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Add the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and contemporary thyme to the greens and toss to coat. Roast the greens for 20 minutes, tossing midway by way of. Take away from the oven and put aside.
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Put together the couscous. Carry 1.5 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the couscous. Carry to a boil once more after which cowl and cut back the warmth to low and simmer for quarter-hour. Take away from the warmth. Pressure out any remaining liquid and rinse with chilly water. Put aside.
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Place kale in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Therapeutic massage the kale along with your fingers till it softens. Add the cranberries, pink onion, chickpeas, roasted greens, and couscous to the kale. Toss to mix.
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Add the entire substances for the dressing to a bowl and whisk to mix. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
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High the salad with Boursin cheese and dried lentils. Salt and pepper to style.
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Serve instantly or retailer within the fridge to chill and absorb flavors.
- Candy potatoes can be utilized to interchange the butternut squash.
- Be at liberty to make use of pre-cooked couscous or another grain. Some replacements for couscous may very well be quinoa, barley, or farro.
Energy: 328 kcal, Carbohydrates: 51 g, Protein: 12 g, Fats: 9 g, Fiber: 11 g, Sugar: 4 g
Diet data is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Pictures by: The Picket Skillet