Lenten food: raw vegetable salad and couscous (2 servings)

Raw Vegetable Salad with Couscous - an explosion of freshness and health

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Spring is the ideal season to enjoy salads full of vitamins and flavor. This raw vegetable salad with couscous is not only easy to prepare but also very filling, making it perfect for fasting, as a lunch pack, or after a workout. The fresh ingredients and unique combination of textures will make this salad a favorite among family and friends.

Your ingredients will be:
- 1 heart of romaine lettuce
- 2 carrots
- 1 large Romanian tomato (with a special taste)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 small red onion
- 2 green onions (without the green part)
- 1 drizzle of olive oil
- A handful of pine nuts
- Juice from half a lemon
- Parsley leaves, to taste

Preparing the couscous:
Start by preparing the couscous according to the instructions on the package. Usually, you need to add the couscous to a pot of boiling water, let it absorb the water for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl and fluff it with a fork. Make sure to use salted water for better flavor.

Useful tips for couscous:
- You can add spices like turmeric or cumin to the boiling water for a unique flavor.
- Couscous can also be prepared with vegetable broth for an extra kick of flavor.

Preparing the vegetables:
While the couscous is cooking, wash and peel the vegetables. Cut the romaine lettuce into strips, the carrots into sticks or rounds, and the tomato into cubes.

The red onion can be sliced into julienne or thin rounds, depending on your preference, and don't forget to crush the garlic clove lightly to release its aroma. The green onion, without the green part, will add a subtle yet pleasant taste to the salad.

Add the ingredients to a large bowl, being careful to mix them gently so as not to crush them.

Adding the pine nuts:
Pine nuts are the cherry on top of this salad, bringing a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor. Even though they can be more expensive, in my case, I get them from a reliable source - my mother always brings a few bags when she visits. But don’t worry, pine nuts are easy to find in health food stores and are an excellent source of protein, with 31 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Finalizing the salad:
After mixing the vegetables, add the cooked couscous, drizzling everything with olive oil and lemon juice. Mix again so that each ingredient is well coated. You can add chopped parsley leaves, which will not only enhance the flavor but also make your salad more visually appealing.

Serving and pairing suggestions:
This salad can be served as is, but you can pair it with a slice of toasted whole grain bread or as a side dish to a grilled vegetable main course. It’s an excellent choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner.

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include cubes of marinated tofu or green olives for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can this salad be stored in the fridge?
Yes, but it is recommended to consume it on the same day to enjoy the freshness of the vegetables.

2. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are vegan and perfectly suitable for a plant-based diet.

3. How can I customize this recipe?
You can add various seasonal vegetables or swap the pine nuts for walnuts or almonds for a different texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Romaine lettuce is full of vitamins A and C, carrots contain beta-carotene, and pine nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Couscous, being a complex carbohydrate, will provide you with the necessary energy throughout the day.

Don’t forget to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones! Spring is the perfect time to experiment with fresh salads and bring more health into your diet. Enjoy your meal!