Strawberry Poppy Seed Couscous Salad – This sweet & nutty blend of spring flavors is the perfect side for your Mother’s Day brunch!
As I sit down to finally write this blog post I realize I’m not sure what I want to say. The baby wasn’t feeling well for part of this week and the other part of this week he ate and chubbed up so much (day and night) that the only reasonable explanation is that he’s going through a growth spurt. Perhaps that’s my excuse for eating and chubbing up so much too. It must be a growth spurt. 😉
The more likely story is that the constant whining of a fussy baby is starting to get to me and I’ve made some less-than-stellar food choices this week. The nonsense that moms put up with for the kids that they love! Fortunately a much needed break and admittedly, day of appreciation, is just around the corner in the form of Mother’s Day. ☺️
My six year old has already started making pre-Mother’s Day cards. My favorite is a twelve foot roll of paper covered in crooked hearts and tracing of his hands and feet. After pouring his heart into this piece of art work he did leave marker foot prints all of the the kitchen floor… Fortunately the markers were washable. Thank you, Crayola!
In addition to the homemade kid gifts, one of the things I love about Mother’s Day is Mother’s Day Brunch. There’s nothing to complain about with the fusion of breakfast and lunch, and in the month of May this is especially enjoyable with all the seasonal, fresh, spring flavors. Today’s recipe for Strawberry Poppy Seed Coucous Salad is one dish I’d love to eat this Mother’s Day, and I’m sure my mom would too. It’s sweet and just a little nutty, much like most moms!
- 1 C dry couscous
- 1¼ C water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 C chopped strawberries
- 1 C chopped cucumber
- ¼ C canola oil
- 2 Tbsp honey or agave
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp dijon mustard
- 1¼ tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp salt
- fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- Cook and chill the couscous. To cook the couscous, bring the water to a boil with the olive oil and salt. Once boiling, stir in the dry coucous. Return to a boil and then immediately remove the pot from the heat. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes have passed, fluff the coucous with a fork and chill for at least 1 hour.
- While the couscous is chilling, chop the strawberries and cucumber and set aside.
- Make the vinaigrette by whisking together all of the ingredients and set aside until the coucous is chilled.
- Assemble the salad by folding together the couscous, strawberries, cucumbers and vinaigrette.
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adina says
Oh, I can so relate to what you are saying! 🙂 My kids are no babies anymore, but I can vividly ve . And the other part with gifts and markers and stains and garbage all over the place is still happening… And if I not making myself a salad or cake or whatever for Mother’s Day , nobody will. But they will still ask what’s for dinner. 🙂 🙂 I am hoping for a flower at least. 🙂 Your salad looks lovely, a combination I haven’t tried yet.
Rachel says
Good to know the part of marker and stains and garbage all over the place is still happening. I’ll be sure to invest in some good cleaning supplies! I hope your family catches you off guard with Mother’s Day with a thoughtful surprise. My oldest is only six so he’s still in that “I adore mama” phase. I know it won’t last forever, so I’m trying to soak it in while I can!
Tia says
This was SO good. So light and refreshingly filling. I added a little feta just because I can’t resist that slightly salty creaminess. It was definitely a hit at dinner.
Rachel says
Tia, I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for letting me know!