
Warm Charred Zucchini, Roasted Peach and Pearl Couscous Salad with Whipped Mint Feta
An original, elegant salad featuring tender pearl couscous, pan-charred zucchini, roasted peaches, and whipped feta with fresh mint. It is finished with crunchy pistachios and a gentle honey-lemon dressing for a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors.
Ingredients
- 180 g dry pearl couscous (base of the ensalada)
- 480 ml water (for cocer the cuscús)
- 6 g salt (divided entre cocción and aliño)
- 360 g medium zucchini (cut en medias lunas gruesas)
- 300 g ripe but firm peaches (cut in wedges)
- 60 ml olive oil (divided entre asado, cocción and vinagreta)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 150 g feta cheese (for batir)
- 80 g plain Greek yogurt (for suavizar the feta)
- 10 g fresh mint (leaves chopped, divided)
- 1 unit lemon (zest fina and juice, divided)
- 15 ml honey (for the vinagreta)
- 5 ml Dijon mustard (for the vinagreta)
- 30 g small shallot (chopped muy fina)
- 40 g toasted pistachios (troceados gruesos)
- 60 g arugula (lavada and dry)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. On a baking tray, toss the peach wedges with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, a pinch of the salt, and some of the black pepper. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender with caramelized edges. Set aside.
- 2
Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the pearl couscous and 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Drain if needed, transfer to a large bowl, and toss with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil to keep it loose.
- 3
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and cook the zucchini in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and lightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 4
In a small processor or using an immersion blender, blend the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, half of the mint, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice until thick and smooth. If needed, add 1 to 2 tsp water to loosen slightly.
- 5
Make the dressing by whisking together the honey, Dijon mustard, shallot, 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, the rest of the salt, and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk until emulsified.
- 6
Add the charred zucchini, arugula, half of the pistachios, the remaining mint, and most of the dressing to the bowl with the couscous. Toss gently to combine without overly wilting the arugula.
- 7
To serve, spread a layer of whipped feta on each plate or on a large platter. Spoon the couscous salad on top, arrange the roasted peaches over it, and finish with the remaining pistachios, a little more lemon zest, and the rest of the dressing. Serve warm.
Chef tips
For the best texture contrast, do not toss in the peaches until the end. If you want deeper roasted flavor, let the zucchini sit undisturbed in the pan for the first 2 minutes before stirring.
Substitutions
You can swap the peaches for apricots or firm plums. Pistachios can be replaced with walnuts or almonds if you do not need the same flavor profile. Arugula can be replaced with baby spinach.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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