Couscous Salad

A few years ago, I was really into this couscous salad with fruit and nuts. Now I'm a little weary of it, and think I'll put it out of rotation for a while. I've taken it to a couple potlucks in the past year or so, and it seems a little too bland and un-festive. But for posterity, here's the recipe.

Couscous Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts

2 c. water
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 c. instant whole-wheat couscous
2 T. olive oil
3 T. lemon juice
1 or more T. lemon zest
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. cardamom
2 c. chickpeas
3/4 cup chopped dried fruit, a mixture of dates, apricots, and golden raisins
1/2 c. toasted slivered almonds
1/2 c. chopped cilantro
1/4 c. chopped green onions

Boil water, add salt, then stir in dry couscous and cover. Let sit for at least 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well. You will almost surely want to add more salt at this point, and you may want more olive oil or lemon juice as well.

This is based on a recipe from epicurious.com.