Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried Israeli (pearl) couscous
• salt and fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard -1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice to taste
• 1 medium English cucumber diced
• 1 large tomato diced
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs, use any combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts toasted
• 1/4 cup golden raisins

Directions

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain.

While the couscous cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the drained couscous to the dressing and mix well.

Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, walnuts and raisins. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.