Energy Boosting Lunch for Mamas (and papas, and grandparents too!)

Taking care of child is no easy task. Whether you are a stay at home mom, a working mom or a student you need to be eating the right things to keep your body going all day long, (and sometimes night long!) Since school has started I have tried to pack a healthy, energy boosting lunch to keep my mind working and my energy up throughout my classes and for when I get home. I have been hooked on this cold whole wheat couscous salad. It’s tart, sweet and so light and fresh tasting you will feel like you’re indulging when really you’re eating a lunch filled with fiber, whole grains, protein, antioxidants and vitamins. You’re little one may enjoy it as well. Here’s what you’ll need:

Couscous Salad shown as a side to a pita sandwich made with hummus and veggies!

Cold Whole Wheat Couscous Salad

• 1 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp. julienned sun dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil (or oil tomatoes are packed in)
• 2 tsps. fresh basil, chiffonade
• ½ cup shredded cooked chicken or cubed tofu, chilled
• ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, diced

• Drizzle of balsamic reduction, to taste

                To make balsamic reduction, in a small sauce pan reduce a cup of balsamic vinegar over medium high heat until it reaches a thick syrup consistency. Keeps pretty much forever.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

In a small bowl combine couscous, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper. Set aside.

 Bring vegetable broth to a boil. Pour broth over couscous mixture, cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes. Uncover the couscous after 5 min and fluff with a fork. Let cool for 10-15 minutes then mix in the chicken or tofu and mozzarella. Drizzle with balsamic reduction to taste. Let chill in the fridge for at least 2 hour. For added crunch and protein feel free to throw in some flax seeds, pine nuts or even toasted sunflower seeds.