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pesto salad

Incredibly easy Strawberry and Pesto Couscous with Crumbled Feta

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I can’t stress this enough but summer REALLY is all about those quick and easy meals. And about all of the fresh fruits. So we are taking those super juicy and sweet large summer strawberries and packing them into the easiest „salad“ with couscous, pesto, feta and lemon and making it into a (no joke!!!!) 10 minute (healthy!) dish. We do not need anything more!

What is special about this dish?

Well, I guess everything! I mean, we all know those „basic“ combos, watermelon and feta, strawberry and spinach, feta and pesto, and so on, But really, a watermelon and feta salad or a strawberry and spinach one is nice but it really is not filling. maybe for 10 minutes ok, but that’s not what we want.

What is special is that there are so many different products used and combined into one dish! So many different flavours and textures mixed up in a bowl. It is the sweetness of the strawberries (which you really have to try because they are in season right now!!), the softness of the couscous, the crunch of the spinach, the nice tanginess from the feta and the saltiness from the pesto.

The pesto – a dream

I have already explained in a blog post whether pesto is healthy or not (you can read about it in the post for the and for the Ultra Green Pesto Salad with Burrata ). To summarise, you can say yes(-ish) if in moderation. But really, pesto is not just pesto. When you go to the supermarket there are many many different pestos. So just a few words about it.

Pesto is traditionally from Italy and made out of basil, olive oil, pine nuts, salt, garlic and parmesan cheese. And really, these are the only ingredients that should be in pesto. But if you go to the supermarket you are very likely to find one that is not high in quality since most of them are. A little tip here: look out for dark ones and check the ingredient label. the darker they are the higher the quality because the more basil is in there, and the less water!

I know, I know, it is not so easy to find a good pesto at the supermarket. That is the reason I have decided to try and order one online and let me tell you, BEST DECISION EVER. It literally tastes just like in Italy or homemade one!!! The perfect saltiness, a REAL basil flavour and not just watery paste with flavour enhancer.

I got it at PastaFani and it really is a game changer. Made out of 100% Austrian Ingredients and 100% organic ingredients. I am being serious, that exists AND it is tasty! Really, the best pesto I have ever bought somewhere. And it is so convenient. It comes straight to your door (delivered) and you can (and definitely will want to) add it on pretty much anything! Trofie with Pine Nuts and Potatoes, like in Italy, in Salad dressings, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, anything.

You can find the pesto here. If you want good pesto, get this one. It is insane!

Is this dish healthy?

Alright, enough said about pesto (if there is such thing as saying enough about pesto) but is this dish actually healthy or is it just super tasty? believe it or not, it is healthy too! You get in your vitamins, from your strawberries and spinach, a good amount of plant based protein, carbohydrates and fibre and healthy fats from the pesto. It is a pretty well balanced, healthy and delicious dish!

Although, I need to say that couscous is not quite as healthy as Quinoa is since it contains way less fibre but you can look out for wholegrain couscous to make it even healthier!

Substitutes:

Couscous – Quinoa, Millet
Strawberries – Raspberries
Feta Cheese – leave it out, sub for Mozzarella or Cottage Cheese
Spinach – lambs lettuce, arugula, kale
Pesto – do not substitute this (since this really makes the dish)

I genuinely love this recipe on hot summer days since it comes together really quick! It also works amazing for meal prep so you can take it on a picnic or to a friends house for barbecue or take it to work/ school for a delicious and healthy lunch!

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Incredibly easy Strawberry and Pesto Couscous with Crumbled Feta

Summer in a bowl. Takes you 10 minutes to make, combines juicy strawberries with tangy pesto, fresh feta and soft couscous. Tastes like a treat but is healthy. You´ll want it all summer long!

Course Appetizer, bowl, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Prep Time 10 Minuten
Total Time 10 Minuten
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

What you will need

  • 240 g couscous
  • 400 g strawberries
  • 100 g spinach fresh one
  • 100 g feta cheese
  • 120-160 g basil pesto
  • some fresh basil leaves
  • salt & pepper
  • 1/2 lemon juiced

How to

  1. Prepare the couscous according to package instructions and generously salt it. (Usually you just have to pour boiling water on top but this varies from brand to brand).

  2. Remove the greens from the strawberries and quarter or half them. Roughly chop up the spinach and basil.

  3. For the dressing combine the pesto with the juice of the lemon and 1-2 tbsp of water.

  4. Once the couscous is done let it cool off a bit and then combine everything in a bowl. Divide onto plates and crumble the feta on top! Serve and enjoy!

I hope you really enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Happy cooking,
Enjoy,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière

Ultra Green Pesto Salad with Burrata

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All the healthy greens, in an insanely delicious pesto dressing topped with a dreamy creamy burrata. Oh yes. Healthy eating made tasty. You get your vitamin fix in while still enjoying all of that creaminess from the burrata cheese. Pure goodness.

I know that many of us are now wanting to become healthier for summer. And also, with the nice and warm temperatures we are craving food for which we do not have to heat up the oven or a pan, that is super quick and rather light. Because who loves standing in the kitchen for ages when the sun outside is so nice?

This salad is the perfect dish for such occasions. Do not be afraid by the word salad. It is not a boring one that won’t fill you up. It is full of so many nutrients, different veggies, cheese and the pesto dressing takes it next level. Nothing with boringness!

What is pesto?

Pesto is a sauce that originates in Italy. It most of the time is used for pasta dishes. Traditionally the pasta to make it with are trofie. Also, they add in some small pieces of potato. Honestly, if you have never tried and are afraid, I can tell you: don’t be. It tastes at least as good as tomato sauce if not better!

What is in pesto?

The ingredient list for pesto is very short. The main ingredient is basil. That gives it the colour and the amazing taste. As important: pine nuts. Not to confuse with peanuts. Oftentimes instead of pine nuts, other nuts are used, to make it cheaper, but the taste just is not the same. At all. Besides basil and pine nuts we need olive oil and parmesan cheese. This is the classic pesto. And this is the best way you can make pesto There are oil-free, and cheese-free versions out there, but if you do tolerate all of the ingredients I would recommend you use them.

Is pesto healthy?

I would say so. It has a little cheese, which is not necessarily the healthiest but all the other ingredients are pretty healthy. Basil is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Pine nuts and olive oil contain a good amount of healthy fats and minerals as well. Just be aware that pesto, because of its rather high fat content is also rather high in calories.

What else is in the salad?

Well, of course, a base: the salad. What works best here, is a mixed salad but you could also long for lambs lettuce, spinach or iceberg salad if you prefer. Besides that, we have a ton of different greens. Cucumber, for freshness, zucchini for crunch, peas, for that spring feeling, avocado, because we ain’t have a salad without avocado, and spring onions for the finishing touch. To add a nice touch to the taste, we are also adding some fresh herbs, mint and basil to be exact.

Does the salad work for meal prep?

A hundred percent, yes! Just make sure to pack everything separately. So salad and veggies in one box, dressing in an extra box, and the burrata in another box. It lasts in the fridge for 2-3 days. When wanting to have it, just mix everything through and enjoy!

I hope you like this recipe and it gives you some inspiration on what to cook this spring on summer!

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Ultra Green Pesto Salad with Burrata

A perfect light summer salad, that is everything else than boring. Healthy but tasty and filling!

Course Appetizer, lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Prep Time 15 Minuten
Total Time 15 Minuten
Servings 4 servings
Calories 526 kcal

What you will need

  • 6 handful mixed greens
  • 2 zucchini
  • 1 cucumber
  • 150 g peas
  • 3 spring onion
  • 1/2 handful mint and basil
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 burrata 1 large one or two small ones
  • 4 tbsp sesame seeds optional

For the pesto dressing:

  • 1 handful basil
  • 30 g parmesan cheese cut into smaller pieces
  • 30 g pine nuts
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or water (optional to thin out)
  • some bread to serve

How to

  1. Peel the zucchini into thin strips (lengthwise) and cut them in half (in width). Cut the cucumber into small slices. Boil the peas in boiling water for about 4 minutes. Cut the spring onions into small rings. Add all of those into a large bowl along with the mixed greens.

  2. In a food processor finely mince the basil and pine nuts. Add the olive oil and the parmesan and a sprinkle of sea salt. Blend until you have reached a smooth consistency. If you prefer your pesto on the thinner side, add another 2 tbsp of water or olive oil and mix again.

  3. Toss the salad and veggies in the dressing and divide onto four bowls. Cut the avocado in quarters. Put the sesame seeds on a plate and dip one side of the cut up avocado quarters onto them. This adds a really nice look to them. Add one quarter to each bowl.

  4. Cut the burrata into 4 and also divide this onto the bowls.

  5. Serve with some fresh bread !

Happy cooking,
Enjoy,
Katie // Une Petite Cuisinière