Couscous Salad with Kale, Tomatoes, Cranberries, and Feta

Ingredients and Weight:

• Couscous: 500g
• Kale: 200g
• Tomatoes: 300g (sliced)
• Cranberries: 100g
• Feta cheese: 150g (crumbled)
• Extra virgin olive oil: 4 tbsp.
• Red wine vinegar: 3 tbsp.
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or oregano): 2 tbsp. (chopped)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the couscous according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the sliced tomatoes, cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs.
3. Dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
4. Add the kale leaves, gently toss again to ensure the leaves are coated with the dressing and evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Serve immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving (based on the ingredients provided)
• Carbohydrates: Couscous is a good source of carbs.
• Protein: Feta cheese provides a good amount of protein.
• Fiber: Cranberries and kale are rich in fiber.
• Fat: Contains a moderate amount of fat due to the olive oil and feta cheese.

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and vibrant salad that is both healthy and delicious.
• Couscous provides a base for the other flavors, while the kale adds a nice texture and nutrition.
• The combination of tomatoes, cranberries, and feta creates a unique flavor profile that is popular among Americans.

User Comments:

1. "This salad is refreshing and full of flavor! The combination of ingredients is unique and really works well together."
2. "I love how easy this salad is to make, yet it tastes like a dish from a high-end restaurant."
3. "The dressing is perfect, not too oily and not too vinegary. It really brings out the best in all the ingredients."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• If kale is too tough, you can massage it lightly with your hands after washing to tenderize it.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.