Couscous Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients

• 1 x 10-oz. pkg. (about 1¾ cups) plain instant couscous
• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 to 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• minced zest of 1 lemon
• ¾ cup minced fresh mint
• ¾ cup minced fresh parsley, or half fresh parsley and half fresh basil or cilantro
• ¼ cup thin-sliced scallions rings, green and white portions
• 1 x 12-oz. English or European cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts, optional

Directions

1. Cook couscous according to package directions, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Transfer couscous to a large bowl, and immediately combine oil with it using a large fork to fluff grains.
4. When combined, stir in lemon juice to taste, and let mixture cool briefly.
5. Stir remaining ingredients into couscous, and sprinkle in more salt, if desired.
6. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
7. Fluff again before serving.