Fresh Spinach and Couscous Salad with Feta Cheese

Couscous, a coarsely ground semolina pasta similar to rice in shape and texture, is a wonderfully versatile ingredient. Combined with spinach and feta cheese, this couscous dish is incredibly flavorful and high in protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup whole wheat couscous, dry
• 1 cup (2 ounces) coarsely chopped spinach leaves, packed
• ½ (15 ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 slices (1 ounce) hard salami, cut into thin strips
• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons fat-free vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 ounces sun-dried tomato and basil feta cheese, crumbled

Directions:

1. Pour water into microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until boiling. Remove from microwave; stir in couscous. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand 5 minutes.
2. Place couscous in fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water until cooled; drain excess water. To cool couscous quickly, fluff with a fork, spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet, and let stand 5 minutes.
3. Combine next 9 ingredients (spinach through vinegar) in a large bowl.
4. Add couscous to spinach mixture; stir until blended. Add cheese; toss gently. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition per Serving:

(Serving size = 1 1/2 cups)

• Calories = 335
• Total fat = 10 g
• Saturated fat = 4 g
• Carbohydrate = 50 g
• Protein = 16 g
• Fiber = 9 g
• Cholesterol = 21 mg
• Sodium = 622 mg

Dietary Exchanges:

• Starch = 3
• Fat = 1 ½
• Meat = 1

Source: www.diabeticcooking.com