Mediterranean Salad

Here’s a nice, fresh salad idea that’s perfect for spring and summer. Serve it as a main or side dish, or even wrapped in a tortilla as a sandwich. Lots of zesty flavor here! All of the tasty ingredients, especially the red onion, really bring the couscous to life. Try adding some roasted red pepper and cucumber for even more flavor and texture.

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD

1 cup uncooked couscous
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided, plus more for mixing
2 lemons
1/2 lb medium size raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 6-8 oz can medium black olives, pitted
1/2 container grape tomatoes
6 oz jar artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
4 oz container feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 of 10 oz can of chick peas
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Prepare uncooked couscous according to package directions. Place cooked couscous in a large mixing bowl, stir in a few drizzles of olive oil to avoid couscous from sticking, set aside.
In a large frying pan, heat up 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic, heat for 30 seconds, add juice of one lemon, heat for additional 30 seconds. Add shrimp, stir for approximately 3-4 minutes, until shrimp are pink. Remove from heat, chop into large pieces, let cool.
Mix remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil with chopped basil and the juice and zest of one lemon. Add shrimp, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onion, feta cheese and chick peas to couscous. Drizzle the olive oil dressing over couscous mixture. Mix well. Serve with a nice Pinot Grigio

Serves 6-8.