Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad is the newest dish that I want to share with you, because, I'm partnering with BC Tree Fruits to make a recipe featuring fabulous BC Tree Fruits Cherries.
This post is sponsored by BC Tee Fruits. As always, all opinions are my own.
I am so excited about this partnership! Because, I happen to live right here, in the beautiful Okanagan valley, where the premium BC Tree Fruits Cherries grow and thrive, and I love having the chance to showcase the amazing abundance of these beautiful, delicious cherries that are grown right here. These BC Tree Fruit Cherries are the best in the world.
BC Tree Fruit Cherries
I was born & raised right here in British Columbia, and, for half of my life, have lived right here in the Okanagan Valley, where these delicious cherries are grown. I'm so fortunate because I've lived surrounded by orchards full of beautiful fruit, all of my life.
In fact, some of my earliest memories involve climbing up the backyard cherry tree with my friends and siblings, sitting on a sturdy limb and eating way too many cherries.
Not to mention, making "lipstick" from cherry juice and those cherry earrings (anyone else ever do that as a kid?). So, I'm super excited to share with you, my love of this beautiful place, the delicious fresh fruit that comes from this region, and buying and supporting local.
Cherry Season is Short
BC Tree Fruits Cherries are in season right now, and these delicious beauties are only available for a short window of time, (just 4-5 weeks, yikes!). So, now is the time. Be sure to visit your local grocery store, and get your hands on some of these delectable beauties. Getting local, fresh cherries is a true treat, and I don't want you to miss out.
Look For the Leaf
Make sure that you are getting fresh, local, BC Tree Fruit Cherries, by looking for this familiar leaf logo, which is just adorable, don't you think? And go learn more about beautiful BC Tree Fruits Cherries by checking out their Food Guide.
Cherries are Versatile
This Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad is just one example of the versatility of BC Tree Fruits Cherries. Of course, cherries are delicious and convenient to snack on. But, you can also use them in a variety of recipes, both savoury and sweet.
I love to top my cereal with BC Tree Fruits Cherries. You can also put fresh cherries in smoothies and cocktails (try freezing them whole and using them in place of ice cubes. Genius, right?). And cherry preserves and jams are, of course, a pure delight to have on hand over the winter.
Why BC Tree Fruits Cherries?
Because these premium fresh cherries are the best. They're dark, juicy, sweet, and tart. They are truly a sweet, fresh and purely delightful summer taste experience.
About BC Tree Fruits
BC Tree Fruits is a cooperative, with more than 430 grower families under their umbrella. They grow all of their cherries right here in the Okanagan Valley, using sustainable growing practices. If you want to buy fresh, and buy local, no matter where you are in Canada, (or really in the world!) Then buy BC Tree Fruit cherries.
Cherry Nutrition
Eat these fresh cherries while you can! Fresh Cherries are nutritional powerhouses. BC Tree Fruits Cherries are packed full of disease-fighting antioxidants and polyphenols. They are high in fibre, Vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals. BC Tree Fruits Cherries are a treat with all of the benefits.
In fact, cherries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Check it out here: 7 Health Benefits of Cherries
About this Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad
Besides the cherries, I used Israeli couscous in this delicious salad. Along with toasted walnuts, black olives, feta, and fresh lemon, it's a tasty and satisfying summer salad. It's great on its own for lunch, perfect for picnics, and a beautiful side dish for grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
I love that this salad is so easy to put together. It's a flavourful, deliciously fresh and different dish, and I think, a worthy one to show off these gorgeous cherries! Watch my video to see just how easy this Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad is to make:
Get more Cherry recipes: Cherry Amaretto Ice Cream, or Balsamic Cherries, or Balsamic Cherry, Feta, & Prosciutto Pizza.
Recipe
Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1.5 cups Israeli couscous
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted & halved
- 1 cups black olives pitted
- 0.5 cup walnuts toasted, lightly chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
- Add the couscous, and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes
- Add 2 cups of water, cover, and cook until couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, remove the cover, stir in remaining olive oil, and allow to cool
- Transfer couscous to a bowl, and add all remaining ingredients, tossing to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Jennifer Pallian
Looks delicious! I love grain salads.
Colleen
Thanks Jennifer. It really is delicious!
Elaine
BC Cherries are the BEST! And cherries with feta is a match made in heaven! Love this recipe!
Colleen
I agree, Elaine! How can you go wrong with fresh local BC Cherries?? They are so good. This salad really is heavenly, too. 🙂
Terri
I love this combo of cherries and walnuts with cous cous! Cherries are my absolute fave and I will be trying this-looks delish!
Colleen
Thanks Terri! You will love it!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I can't believe I only started loving and appreciating fresh cherries in the last few years! Now I look forward to cherry season every year! I love how you used them in this couscous. Looks so delicious, and definitely perfect for picnics and BBQs!
Colleen
Thanks Leanne, we love cherries and I always try to do something other than desserts with them, (as well as the desserts, too. of course). This salad turned out so good!
Denise from Urb'n'Spice
Your recipe has so many of my favourite ingredients, including BC cherries! You are right, we are so lucky to live here in the Okanagan, Colleen. I am excited to try your Cherry Walnut Couscous Salad. Thank you so much for inspiring us and for sharing another lovely recipe.
Colleen
Thanks so much Denise! We are indeed lucky, and these cherries are one of the ways. :-). I know that you'll love this salad, because I made it three times to get the video right, so a few friends & neighbours got to sample and it was a hit. Enjoy!
Yvonne Langen
I love the combination of sweet and savoury in salads. I'm especially partial to stone fruits so I'm really excited to try this couscous salad. Thanks for sharing!
Colleen
Hi Yvonne! Sweet & savory are such a great combo in a salad, I agree. I think you'll love this one, it's delicious!
MARIA
What a refreshing looking salad! Can't wait to try it... I will definitely be looking for the leaf!!! I learned a lot about BC tree fruits today. Thanks for sharing Colleen.
Colleen
Thanks Maria, I think you'll love it, and buying local means fresh, so I'm happy to spread the word!
Natalie
Looks delicious and healthy!
Colleen
Thanks Natalie, it really is! Perfect for summer, too.
Dana
This dish is calling to me and I really want to give it a try!
Colleen
Hi Dana, I hope you do try it, because I think you'll love it!
Claudia Lamascolo
what a great idea to combine sweet cherries with this salad. I love the colors and how its bursting with flavors from that delicious dressing.
Colleen
Thanks Claudia, this salad is really delicious!
Lisa
I was looking for a recipe to use up some fresh cherries. This is perfect!
Colleen
Hi Lisa, so glad you found this recipe. Enjoy!
Danielle
What a beautiful looking salad. I love using giant cous cous, but I have never put cherries in it before.
Colleen
Hi Danielle, I love Israeli couscous, too. It has such a great texture, and it's perfect for this salad!