Name: Low-Calorie Pumpkin & Courgette Couscous Salad Recipe | OPTIFAST UK
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 150 g instant couscous; 235 ml boiling water; 500 g baby spinach leaves, washed and blotted dry; 30 g pumpkin, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes; 30 g courgette, washed and cut into 1-inch thick slices; 6 macadamia nuts, chopped; Juice of 1/2 lime; 2 tsp balsamic vinegar; Low-calorie cooking spray

This salad recipe is not just your ordinary lettuce and tomato salad – this salad uses slightly different ingredients that can be eaten warm or cold. It makes an ideal low-calorie lunch or dinner that feels wonderfully hearty, thanks to the couscous and roasted vegetables.

Pumpkin, courgette and couscous combine to create a salad that’s full of flavour and texture and makes a really interesting low-calorie dish to support you on your weight loss journey.

Low-Calorie Pumpkin & Courgette Couscous Salad Recipe

Servings: 2

Ingredients

150 g instant couscous
235 ml boiling water
500 g baby spinach leaves, washed and blotted dry
30 g pumpkin, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
30 g courgette, washed and cut into 1-inch thick slices
6 macadamia nuts, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
Low-calorie cooking spray

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Wash and slice the courgette and peel and dice the pumpkin into cubes. Spray a baking tray with low-calorie cooking oil and place the vegetables on it. Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, until softened and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
While the vegetables are roasting, add the dried couscous to a large bowl and carefully pour in the boiling water. Cover and leave to stand for 5 minutes.
Once the couscous has puffed up and absorbed all of the water, gently fluff with a fork and add the roasted vegetables and chopped macadamia nuts. Lightly stir to combine.
To make the dressing, combine the lime juice and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl, then add it to the couscous mixture and stir to mix through. Portion into two bowls and serve.