Cucumber Couscous

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Some days I just want an easy side dish.  When those days happen I usually look in the pantry and grab a box of either mac n cheese or couscous.  Unfortunately both of these get old after having them several times a month.

I was looking for something to jazz up the half box of couscous I had open in my pantry when I came across this cucumber salad.  It’s simple to make because it takes the cooked couscous and tosses it with cucumbers, juice, and spices.

This side dish is very versatile and really any fresh vegetables could be added to it in place of the cucumber.  It’s great for a picnic or as a side dish for a hot meal.

Cucumber Couscous  (adapted from Real Simple)
1 c. couscous
1 T. olive oil
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1/4 c. parsley, chopped
1 T.  red wine vinegar
2 T. orange juice
1 T. orange marmalade
1/2 t. red pepper
1 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper

1.  Cook the couscous according to the package directions.  Allow to cool.

2.  In a large bowl combine the couscous, cucumbers, parsley, red wine vinegar, orange juice, orange marmalade, red pepper, salt, and black pepper.  Toss to combine.