Caribbean Pork and Couscous Salad

Grilled pork kabobs seasoned Caribbean-style top a lively couscous salad topped with fruit and tangy vinaigrette. This makes a satisfying summer supper or hearty lunch with some warmed crusty bread to complete the meal.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 boneless pork chops, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 tablespoon Caribbean-style rub*
1 (10-ounce) package couscous
2 cups boiling water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
4 green onions, sliced
2 oranges, peeled and sliced
1 medium cucumber, sliced
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoon orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped pecans

Cooking Directions:

1. In plastic bag, shake together the pork cubes and Caribbean rub to evenly coat the pork. Skewer pork and grill over medium-hot fire for 8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly.
2. Meanwhile, in large bowl combine couscous and boiling water and 1/2 teaspoon salt; let sit 5 minutes. Stir cherries and green onions into couscous. Arrange cucumber slices around the edge of four dinner plates; equally portion couscous mixture onto plates; topping with orange slices and pork cubes.
3. Stir together oil, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over salads and garnish each salad with some chopped pecans.

Makes 4 servings.

*Or combine 4 teaspoons ground allspice, 1 tablespoon each dried thyme and paprika, 1 teaspoon each cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of National Pork Board.