Fig and Gorgonzola Israeli Couscous Salad

The classic flavor combo of figs and Gorgonzola cheese comes together in a delicious couscous salad. Make sure to use a good quality balsamic vinegar, as it makes all the difference here!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 622 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• ⅓ cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
• 4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 7 ounces dried figs, stems removed and finely chopped
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in couscous, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until couscous is cooked and water is fully absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until slightly caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add dried figs and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Mix in balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper, and cook until mixture thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour fig mixture over cooked couscous and stir to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 tablespoons of crumbled Gorgonzola and the toasted walnuts to the couscous; toss to combine.

Step 3

Divide spinach between four serving dishes. Top each with equal amounts of fig and couscous mixture. Top each salad with additional Gorgonzola crumbles, if desired. Serve immediately.