This is one of my favourite salads to make when I’m entertaining. It requires very minimal effort and has wow factor when it hits the table – it is just so colourful and beautiful! The pumpkin is tossed in a few simple spices before being roasted until tender.
It’s then combined with pearl couscous, feta cheese, mint, pomegranate seeds and slivered almonds. It’s festive and fresh and it’s a nice substantial side that goes with anything – especially glazed ham, which is served widely here in Australia at Christmas. The best thing about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time. The pumpkin and pearl couscous can be prepared up to 3 days prior to your event, so it’s as simple as assembling the ingredients on a big platter on the day and serving at room temperature!
Can you make Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad is the perfect salad to make ahead of time, perfect for entertaining or as a meal prep option. Store the roasted pumpkin, cooked pearl couscous and dressing refrigerated in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Simply toss the ingredients together when you are ready to serve for a quick, delicious meal.
Is Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad suitable for leftovers?
Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, assuming it has been made fresh. Serve it cold or at room temperature. It is best refrigerated without mint or any other fresh herbs, as these will brown quickly.
Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad
“This has become a family favourite. Always on the table for Christmas dinner.” Share PrintIngredients
- ½ kent pumpkin (kabocha squash), peeled and cut into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 280 g (1½ cups) pearl couscous
- 375 ml (1½ cups) chicken or vegetable stock (see note 1 for gluten-free)
- 250 ml (1 cups) water
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 75 g (2½ oz) crumbled feta
- ½ bunch mint, leaves picked
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 pomegranate, seeds only
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced).
- Bake the pumpkin – Place the pumpkin on a baking tray lined with baking (parchment) paper. Sprinkle it with the paprika, coriander, cumin, garlic powder, salt and olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. The pumpkin should be soft enough to pierce with a fork. Set aside to cool.
- Make the couscous – Combine the couscous, stock and water in a small saucepan over medium–high heat. Bring to a simmer, place the lid on and turn to a medium–low setting. Cook for 10 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Set aside in a small bowl (the couscous may clump together but will separate once the dressing is added).
- Make the dressing – Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and stir or place in a jar and shake well.
- Assemble the salad – To assemble the salad, pour half of the dressing over the couscous. Stir to coat and separate the couscous if it is clumping together. Arrange the couscous on a platter followed by the pumpkin, feta, mint, almonds and pomegranate seeds.
- Serve – Drizzle with extra dressing and serve immediately.
Nutrition information
Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes
Recipe notes
MAKE AHEAD
This Pumpkin, Pearl Couscous and Feta Salad is the perfect salad to make ahead, ready for when you need it! Here is everything you need to know:- Pumpkin – Cook as per the recipe and store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Pearl Couscous – Cook as per the recipe and store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Dressing – Prepare as per the recipe and store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Assembly – Assemble the salad only once you are ready to serve.
Natalie says:
I love this recipe so much and have put my own spin on variations. I’ve subbed out the pomegranate when I haven’t been able to get it with cranberries. I make this still even though xmas is gone for a tasty lunch at work by adding a little steamed chicken for a filling meal.
Nicole says:
Hi Natalie, so happy you love this and thanks so much for sharing how you mix it up. Your subs and twists sound amazing! 👏🏻 Thanks for the rating too. Nic x
Kathy says:
This has become a family favourite. Always on the table for Christmas dinner.
Nicole says:
This is music to my ears, Kathy! 🎶 🙌🏻 I hope you’ll be enjoying it this Christmas! Thanks for the rating too, Nic x
CHLOE says:
So delicious and looks amazing plated up! I ended up making this a few times throughout December for various Christmas events and it was perfect.
I agree with the comment below – the couscous definitely sticks together once cooked and almost seems rubbery but an easy fix to sperate with your hands and even add a little bit of extra olive oil or lemon if you need.
Thanks for a fabulous recipe – can’t wait to try more!
chloe.rees says:
So delicious and looks amazing plated up! I ended up making this a few times throughout December for various Christmas events and it was perfect.
I agree with the comment below – the couscous definitely sticks together once cooked and almost seems rubbery but an easy fix to sperate with your hands and even add a little bit of extra olive oil or lemon if you need.
Thanks for a fabulous recipe – can’t wait to try more!
Janette says:
Delicious and a crowd pleaser for my work holiday party last night I made it in advance and it came together quickly, although I did have to separate the couscous with my hands. The couscous was a giant stick together mass after cooling while prepping ahead but knew that based on the notes provided. The squash/pumpkin was tasty but took 2 hours to cut all the rind off. Next time I’ll pick a different squash or get pre chopped.
Nicole says:
I am so glad to hear that it was a hit! Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and comment the recipe. I agree the squash/pumpkin is the most frustrating part of the prep! I find slicing it first into wedges, laying them down flat and then cutting the skin off vertically is the easiest way to prepare it (I have a video that I’ll be linking soon). I love your comment about the pearl couscous, great idea to use your hands to separate, I’ll add those extra notes to the recipe. Thank you so much again for taking the time to write. Nic x