Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Mint

Ingredients

• 3 cups (about 1 1/2 pints) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 kirby cucumbers, seeded, and diced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups instant couscous (a 10-ounce box)
• 2 cups water
• 2 wide strips lemon zest
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 cup torn mint leaves, stems saved
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped flat leaf parsley, stems saved
• 3 scallions (white and green), chopped
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, optional

Directions

Toss the tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon juice in a bowl with 2 teaspoons of the salt. Set aside.

Put the couscous into a large bowl. Bring the water, lemon zest, 3 tablespoons of the oil, the remaining salt, cayenne, and herb stems to a boil over high heat. Pour the liquid over the couscous, stir to separate any clumps. Cover with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap, set aside for 5 minutes. Remove the zest and herb stems and fluff with a fork.

Add the tomato mixture, scallions, mint, parsley, and pine nuts. Drizzle the remaining oil over the salad, toss and serve.

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