Sweet highbush blueberries, salty feta cheese, creamy roasted cauliflower come together in this delicate, unexpected salad.
This post is sponsored by US Highbush Blueberry Council in connection with the Mom It Forward Blogger Network.
As the close of 2013 came, I found myself undergoing a major shift inside. It had a lot to do with health and career trajectory -- for the last few years, I have struggled with my weight but couldn't seem to clear the mental hurdle to do anything about it.
But suddenly, there I was on the other side of the hurdle trying to figure out what came next. Meanwhile, after settling so fully into women's interest and food writing over the last few years, I felt the strangest pull to shift a little. I don't want to let go of the beats I have worked hard to cultivate, but I want more -- so I decided to stop fighting my wanderlust, a word I have been using a lot lately, and built a new facet to my career as a travel writer.
Since then, I have lost 10 pounds (more to go!) and started taking a great travel writing class. Since it's February, and both goals are still happily forging ahead, I feel like it's okay to admit that I am in a healthier of mind these days.
And you know what that means? When I was trying to decide what to create with the big, sweet blueberries I picked up at the store recently, I didn't want to go the default sweet route.
Meet Cauliflower Blueberry Couscous Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette.
Sweet highbush blueberries, salty feta cheese, creamy roasted cauliflower ... these are the things that come together in this delicate salad. It's not a traditional mix, for sure. But the combination of flavors and textures create something that is both waist-friendly and unforgettably good. Sure, I mean blueberries are a total summer delicacy and cauliflower? Its heyday is winter.
But sometimes the best fits are the ones that are a little expected. Together, dressed with a light and tangy Meyer lemon vinaigrette, this hits all the right flavor notes.
And while we are talking blueberries and health, it's important to note how amazingly good for you these little globs of blue goodness are. Total powerhouses of health, blueberries have only about 80 calories in a cup, according to WebMD.
Better yet, blueberries are rich in Vitamin K and a range of antioxidants. All good things for a healthy mind and body.
For more blueberry recipes, visit the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council website.
Cauliflower Blueberry Couscous Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Sweet highbush blueberries, salty feta cheese, creamy roasted cauliflower come together in this delicate, unexpected salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cauliflower, broken into small florets
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped shallots, about 2
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth or stock
- 1 cup raw couscous
- 3 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil (or just use a nonstick baking sheet). Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, as desired.
- Roast the cauliflower for 10 minutes. Stir well. Add the red bell pepper and shallots to the baking sheet and toss to combine. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 7-10 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or stock to a boil. Stir in the couscous, remove from the heat and cover. Let stand for 5 minutes, and then fluff with a fork.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the Meyer lemon juice and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower mixture, blueberries and the couscous. Stir well. Drizzle with the Meyer lemon vinaigrette. Toss well to combine. Sprinkle with feta and toss again.
- Enjoy warm or chilled.
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.
Would never have thought to put these flavors together, but always looking for a new way to enjoy cauliflower - yum!
Hi - great giveaway! I did everything required. I follow on twitter and FB & I pinned here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/530017449868117253/
Thanks a lot.
Followed, liked, and pinned a delicious blueberry recipe. Yummy! Thanks for the chance to win!
Added #littlechanges to my pin 🙂
I followed on Twitter - @bellalimento. I liked on Facebook, Paula Jones & I pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/53550683043267729/ !
Yum! My daughters love blueberries, so I'm always looking for more nutritious ways to use them. This sounds yummy. Thanks. Oh, and the contest was fun. I also can't wait to try to recipe I pinned for me (Quick Blueberry-Cranberry Relish). Great post, thanks! 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for the chance to win! I pinned a blueberry cheesecake for carb counters recipe which sounds delish!
What a yummy looking recipe!! I followed, facebooked, and pinned!
I did all: FB name is Julie Howard Kieras, twitter handle is @ayearwithmomdad and my pin is here: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/57280226485139412/
TY
sounds yummy I will be modifying with rice for a gluten free receipe
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/139470919684214455/
and twitter is @parentinglaughs
Hi there! Completed all three rules. Pinned the blueberry mojito. Sounds yummy! Thanks!
Pinned! Followed! Liked!
Hi Sarah! Great post. Love blueberries and would have never thought to put them in that salad, but it looks soooo good! I followed on Twitter @slow_roaster LIKED on FB Donna Marchese Elick and Pinned http://www.pinterest.com/pin/261842165809295743/
Winter always sets my mind into thinking mode. I question what I'm doing, why I'm doing it and if I should change. I'm happy to hear you're on a healthy track and this salad looks amazing. I always find Meyer lemons are a bright little piece of joy in the middle of the dull grey winter. {Also, I entered the giveaway and my fingers and toes are crossed!}