Curried Couscous Salad with Bacon: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Couscous salad is a versatile dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and travels well. This recipe elevates the classic couscous salad with the warm spices of curry and the salty, smoky goodness of bacon. The combination is surprisingly addictive, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This Curried Couscous Salad with Bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The curry powder infuses the couscous with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal cooking and comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the vegetables and other ingredients to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Couscous:** The base of our salad. Use regular couscous, not Israeli couscous (pearl couscous), for this recipe. The smaller size provides a better texture and allows for better flavor absorption.
* **Bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that elevates the salad. Use your favorite type of bacon.
* **Curry Powder:** The star of the show! Curry powder provides warmth and complexity to the salad. Use a mild or medium curry powder, depending on your preference.
* **Vegetables:** We’ll use a combination of vegetables for color, flavor, and texture. Red bell pepper, celery, and red onion are great choices, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or zucchini.
* **Dried Cranberries (or Raisins):** These add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to balance the savory flavors.
* **Toasted Almonds (or other nuts):** Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Fresh Cilantro (or parsley):** Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
* **Olive Oil:** Used to cook the vegetables and dress the salad.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds brightness and acidity to the dressing.
* **Honey (or maple syrup):** Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Detailed Ingredient List:

* 1 cup couscous
* 1 cup boiling water
* 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 stalk celery, diced
* 1/4 red onion, finely diced
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
* 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (or other nuts), chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)

**For the Dressing:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment You’ll Need

* Medium saucepan
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Skillet or baking sheet (for cooking bacon)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Follow these steps to make the most delicious Curried Couscous Salad with Bacon.

Step 1: Cook the Couscous

1. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add 1 cup of couscous to the boiling water.
3. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff the couscous with a fork. This separates the grains and prevents clumping. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Alternatively, bake the bacon on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. Baking the bacon results in less grease splatter.
2. Remove the bacon from the skillet or baking sheet and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
3. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper, celery, and red onion to the skillet.
3. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them; you want them tender-crisp.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and curry powder.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference. Some curry powders can be saltier than others, so taste before adding extra salt.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, crumbled bacon, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries (or raisins), toasted almonds (or other nuts), and fresh cilantro (or parsley).
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every grain of couscous is coated with the dressing.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling the salad also enhances its texture and makes it more refreshing.
2. Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Curried Couscous Salad

* **Don’t Overcook the Couscous:** Overcooked couscous will be mushy. Follow the instructions carefully and fluff the couscous immediately after it’s cooked to prevent clumping.
* **Crispy Bacon is Key:** Crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor to the salad. Don’t be afraid to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Carrots, cucumber, zucchini, or even spinach would be great additions.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more honey (or maple syrup) to the dressing. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether.
* **Make it Ahead:** This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more over time.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier salad, add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a bright note.
* **Use High-Quality Curry Powder:** The quality of your curry powder will significantly impact the flavor of the salad. Opt for a high-quality curry powder from a reputable brand.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and add more vegetables or protein like chickpeas or tofu.
* **Vegan:** Omit the bacon and honey (use maple syrup instead). Ensure your curry powder is vegan-friendly (some may contain honey).
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free couscous alternative, such as quinoa or brown rice.
* **Different Nuts:** Substitute the almonds with pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
* **Different Dried Fruit:** Substitute the cranberries with raisins, chopped apricots, or dates.
* **Add Cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese would be a delicious addition.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like mint, dill, or chives.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner.
* Pack it for a picnic or potluck.
* Serve it as part of a buffet.
* Top it with a fried egg for a more substantial meal.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used):

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g

**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is approximate and should be considered a general guideline. Consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Curried Couscous Salad with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may dry out slightly after a day or two. To refresh it, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

FAQ

* **Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together even more as it sits in the refrigerator.
* **Can I freeze this salad?**
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the couscous and vegetables may change.
* **How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?**
This salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
* **Can I use a different type of curry powder?**
Yes, you can use your favorite type of curry powder. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking, as some curry powders are spicier than others.
* **Can I use Israeli couscous instead of regular couscous?**
While you *can*, regular couscous is recommended for this recipe. Israeli couscous has a much larger pearl-like shape and a different texture, so the flavor and overall mouthfeel will not be the same.
* **I don’t like cilantro. What can I substitute?**
Parsley is a great substitute for cilantro. You can also use other fresh herbs like mint or chives.
* **I’m allergic to nuts. What can I substitute?**
You can omit the nuts altogether or substitute them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Curried Couscous Salad with Bacon! It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!