Couscous Salad with Basil Dressing

This is from Mel's Kitchen Cafe - I forgot to add the corn (par for the course) but delicious anyway. 

Fresh Basil Dressing (I've been using the leftovers on everything else - so good!) 

1/2 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. lightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 c. mayonnaise 

1/4 c. red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. chopped shallot or green onion

1/4 tsp. salt

pinch black pepper

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend well. Make it in advance so it can be refrigerated before serving.

Salad

5.8 box roasted garlic and olive oil couscous (make it with broth instead of water - any kind - makes it that much better!)

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 1/4 c. broth

Romaine lettuce - probably 2 heads or 3 of the hearts

bacon - cooked, crumbled - to taste

dried cranberries - to taste 

1 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels (thaw before using)

1/2 shaved or grated parmesan cheese - the shaved chunks are perfect

1/2 cup freshly toasted pine nuts (you can do this in the microwave - 1 minute at a time!)

Make the couscous with the olive oil and broth. Chop up everything and mix it together. Good stuff. Just leave out whatever you don't want or don't have. :) 

PRINTABLE RECIPE