You will also love my Lebanese Tabbouleh salad

I have been so irritable lately that my husband all but shouted ‘what’s your damage Heather?’ at me yesterday. I blame the dieting. And January. Even though it is getting darker slightly later these days it is still predominantly depressingly dismal outside (and many other words starting with ‘d’).

This is not just affecting my mood and increasing the struggle to get out of bed in the mornings (that, I am afraid, is year-round struggle with me), it has seeped into my photography. Without even realising it, all my recent shots have been moody and dark, or steely grey.

So I had to make a very conscious decision to avoid the moody blues on this latest post. Luckily it is such a sunny recipe at heart it practically shines from within. The inspiration comes from Ottolenghi’s tomato and pomegranate salad which may well be the most addictive salad on the planet.

Addictive is usually reserved for brownies and chocolate cakes, but trust me when I say this recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty with amazing contrasting textures to keep you interested and coming back for more.

I have sort of expanded the recipe and taken it in the direction of a jewelled couscous with added spinach and herbs and a leaner dressing. It is perfect to serve alongside these simple chicken skewers – a healthy meal that will keep you satisfied while feeling virtuous.

What Is Giant Couscous?

Giant Couscous is a type of small pasta made from different types of flour, usually wheat and semolina. Unlike regular couscous which has a very small grains, Giant Couscous is the size of small pearls and also known as pearl couscous or Israeli couscous.

You will need to cook this the same way you cook pasta – boil for however long the packet instructs until al dente. Drain and cool before using in salads or use in soups or risotto type dishes.

What to Serve with Jewelled Couscous Salad

Although I have served this with grilled chicken the salad would happily accompany any number of grilled meat or fish dishes such as these Easy Lamb Kofta or my Marinated BBQ Boneless Leg Of Lamb.

Keep it vegetarian by serving it with grilled halloumi.