Couscous jars with ranch dressing and courgettes for your next picnic

When it is time for a picnic with the little ones, sandwiches, cupcakes and finger food are always our go-to solution. Together with fruits these treats keep the children happy and full. But maybe the next time you go on a picnic you want to try something more healthy and add some new variations to your packed food. How about couscous salad in a jar?

We bring you today a mouthwatering jar full of delicious dressing, favorite leaves, soft aromatic couscous and the right balance of proteins, carbs, and fibers. Not only it will delight everyone but is a great healthy alternative to the classic picnic dishes we are used to!

Grab your ingredients and your mason jars in all sizes and get ready for your trip in nature.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of chopped greens of your choice
• 5 cups of chopped, cooked chicken breasts
• 200 ml of water
• 200 grams of Integral Martino Couscous
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 6 slices of chopped crispy cooked bacon
• shredded cheese
• 1 medium diced tomato
• 2 courgettes

For the dressing:

• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• chives
• parsley
• powdered garlic
• powdered onion
• salt
• ground black pepper

Directions:

Hydrate the couscous
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add 200 ml of water, a pinch of salt, and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Bring to a simmer.

When the water is simmering, remove from the heat and sprinkle 200 grams of Martino Integral Couscous. Make sure to distribute the couscous evenly and leave it aside for 4-5 minutes until all the water is completely absorbed.

Now the couscous should be fully hydrated. Pour extra virgin olive oil and fluff it with a fork. This will remove any lumps and separate the delicate grains without crushing them to give the couscous a light, fluffy texture.

Prepare the ranch dressing

In a mixing bowl add one cup of mayonnaise, half cup of sour cream, dried chives and dried parsley, a pinch of powdered garlic and a pinch of powdered onion. Add salt and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together and when everything is well-mixed place the dressing in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

You can also use fresh herbs, it is up to you. For any case to keep the dressing balanced, make sure to taste it often and add ingredients little by little until it has the perfect flavor.

Assembling the couscous jars
Always pour the dressing at the bottom of the jar. If you add the dressing later, ingredients that you’d much rather stay dry might get soggy.

Continue by adding a layer of couscous. Top with chopped chicken, diced tomato, cheese, and grated courgette. Add another layer of couscous and top again with the other ingredients. Save the final layer for the green leaves. Spinach, rocket salad and iceberg lettuce go perfectly well here, however, feel free to use your favorite ones.

Close the jars, place them in your picnic bag, together with all the other little treats you have prepared, and you are ready to go!

If you have chosen your scenic spot to host your next picnic with friends and family, all you have to do next is prepare the delicious snacks and drinks. We have brought you here a new couscous recipe in a jar perfect for any countryside day trip. It is easy to make, tasty but mostly it is a healthy alternative to the traditional picnic sandwiches. If you want more recipes like this one, subscribe to the Martino newsletter to receive them directly in your inbox!

As always we cannot close this recipe without recommending some experimentation and adventurous cooking from your side. The recipe and couscous itself are so versatile you can pair it with any greens, dressing, and protein you like. Now that you have a general idea you can play around with your favorite ingredients. Mix and match sour, savory, salty or even sweet bites. Season everything well and your couscous jars will be ready to take a trip with you and your family! Don’t forget to leave us a comment to let us know your favorite couscous in jar combinations.