Tomato, Basil, Feta Pearl Couscous Spinach Salad

A faucet, lettuce and a tomato were in a race, what happened?
The faucet was running, the lettuce was ahead, and the tomato was trying to ketchup.

Salad Night Numero 3!!! So far this salad is our favorite (and it was suuuupper quick to make).  When discussing what kind of salad to make for night three, both of us wanted something with a grain (like farro, barley etc.).  In my rushing around yesterday, all I managed to get my hands on was some pearl whole wheat couscous.  The hubby and I both were pearl couscous virgins, but I think after my first taste I am in love.  This Tomato, Basil, Feta Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous Spinach Salad is sure to be a hit with you as well.

Here's what you need:
1 1/4 cup of chicken stock
1 cup of whole wheat pearl couscous
1 small pat of butter
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tomato, chopped
1/4-1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
10 or so fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon
juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup of walnuts
a couple drops of agave nectar
2 large handfuls of spinach



Get 1 1/4 cup of chicken stock boiling on the stove.  Once boiling add 1 cup of whole wheat pearl couscous, a small pat of butter and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Mix it up, put the lid on and bring down to a simmer for 8-10 minutes until done.  Stir occasionally.

Grab a nice looking vine tomato, say hello and talk real sweet to it.

Slice and chop it up.  I like to keep the seeds and juices, you don't have to....go with what you're feelin'.

Add chopped tomato and 1/4-1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese to a bowl.

Go prune off some fresh basil leaves from your beautimous garden (if you don't already, try growing your own.  If I, the number 1 plant killer in our house can keep herbs alive, you can too,).

Stack'um up for slicing.

Roll the stack and slice up.

Add basil with tomato and feta.  Salt and pepper the group.

Get out a bigger bowl to bring together the couscous in.

Add done whole wheat couscous.

Add cup of basil, tomato and feta.

Stiiiiiiiiiiir it up, lil darlin' stiiiiiir it up.

While the couscous is hanging out, get some walnuts toasted. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a pan.

Add 1/2 a cup or so of whole-ish walnuts to the pan.

Mix up, add some salt and a couple drops of agave nectar.  Keep a close eye on these until toasted, then remove from heat.

Try not to eat them all before they make it onto your salad.

Get your dressing going.  1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Juice a whole lemon, don't forget to toss the seeds.

Add in lemon juice.

Whisk or beat it up with a fork.

Place 2 large handfuls of spinach in a bowl for tossing.

Add dressing and toss together.

Time to plate up! Lay down your dressed spinach.

Add about 1/2 cup of basil, tomato, feta couscous on each salad.

Top with toasted walnuts.