Garden Fresh Couscous Salad

Contributed by Susan S.

Mix all of your favorite fresh fruits and veggies with couscous (and a splash of juice) for a light and tasty summer dish!

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups Old Orchard Grape juice
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup pineapple salsa or any other fruity salsa
• 6-8 strawberries
• 6-8 grape tomatoes
• ½ peach, skin on
• ½ avocado, peeled
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 8-10 mint leaves, finely cut (reserve a few for garnish if desired)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, bring the juice, salt, and dried fruit to a boil.
2. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from the heat so that the liquids absorb (about 5 minutes) while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Cut the strawberries, tomatoes, peach, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
4. Gently stir in the salsa, cut fruit and veggies, oil, almonds, and mint leaves.
5. Garnish with remaining mint leaves if desired.
6. Chill the salad for an hour or more before serving.

NOTE: I often use whatever fruits and veggies I have available when I make this salad, and canned fruit works fine if fresh fruit is not in season. Apple juice, cranberry juice, or orange juice can be substituted for the grape juice.