One of the sessions we teach in our Med Instead of Meds workshop focused on the Mediterranean Diet is swapping your fats. By simply choosing unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and nuts, in place of saturated fats, such as butter, we can help improve our total cholesterol and lower our LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Try out one of my favorite recipes from MedInsteadofMeds.com which features dried fruits, pistachios, and olive oil.

Whole Wheat Couscous Salad

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-wheat couscous, cooked to package directions
• 6 dried apricot halves, chopped
• 6 dried dates, chopped
• 6 dried figs, chopped
• ¼ cup pistachios
• 1 orange, cut into segments
• 1 cup chopped herbs, any combination (basil, parsley, mint, cilantro)
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: ½ cup

Calories: 127 calories

Carbohydrates: 23 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Protein: 2 grams

Fat: 4 grams