Mandarin Couscous Salad

One of my favorites to make for BBQs, picnics, or anytime really. ;)

1 1/3 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup chopped red onion
3 Tbsp cider or white vinegar
2 Tbsp olive or canola oil
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce

Place water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Cover and remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.

In a bowl, combine the oranges, peas, almonds, onion and couscous. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and hot pepper sauce; shake well. Pour dressing over couscous mixture; toss to coat.

Yeilds 7 servings

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (3/4 cup) equals 221 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 108 mg sodium, 31 carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein.

Diabetic exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.

*** What is couscous? For the answer, click here. You can find it in the bulk section at Winco and also on the pasta/rice aisle at any grocery store. It cooks super fast and is a great alternative to rice or pasta as a side dish. :)