Loaded Fresh Basil and Sweet Corn Couscous Green Salad

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup mayonnaise (see note)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped shallot or green onion

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pinch black pepper

1 box (5.8 ounces) roasted garlic and olive oil couscous (see note)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

12-15 cups chopped romaine lettuce (see note)

6-8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled or chopped

1 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thaw frozen corn before using)

1/2 cup freshly grated or peeled Parmesan cheese (see note)

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

Directions

For the dressing: combine all the ingredients in a blender together and process until smooth. Refrigerate until needed. Dressing can be made several days in advance (flavor gets better with time).

For the salad: make the couscous by bringing the chicken broth and olive oil to a simmer in a saucepan on the stovetop. Stir in the couscous and the seasoning packet (if using the roasted garlic variety). Cover the saucepan and let sit for 5-7 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature before using.

In a large serving bowl, add the romaine lettuce, cooled couscous, cranberries, bacon, cheese, corn, and pine nuts.

Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine (or serve dressing on the side).

Nutrition

• Calories: 289 kcal
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 19 mg
• Sodium: 544 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 13 g
• Protein: 8 g