(This post is sponsored by DeLallo.)
The Unexpected Joy of Airport Runs: More Than Just a Ride
There’s a particular kind of quiet satisfaction that comes with giving someone an airport ride. It might sound mundane, perhaps even a chore to some, but for me, these trips hold a special, almost sacred value. My friends will readily confirm that whenever a journey to or from Kansas City is on the horizon, I’m usually the first to volunteer for chauffeur duty. Hitting the jackpot means I get to do both the drop-off and the pick-up. Even if it requires setting an alarm for an ungodly hour or fueling up with coffee for a midnight dash, I embrace every opportunity to play the driver.
Why These 30-Minute Drives Are Pure Gold
The magic isn’t in the destination, but in the journey itself. Those 30 minutes in the car, often overlooked, are brimming with genuine connection and raw emotion, making them truly priceless. They offer a unique window into the lives of my friends, a chance to share in their anticipation and reflections.
The Excitement of Airport Drop-offs
When dropping friends off, I love seeing them load up their car with all the essentials for the adventure ahead. There’s an unmistakable spark in their eyes—a blend of excitement, a touch of nervousness, and boundless hope for what’s to come. We talk through their plans, their worries, their eager expectations, and the stories they hope to create. And then, there’s the best part: the farewell hug. These goodbyes, whether for a routine business trip or a much-anticipated vacation, always feel significant. It’s a privilege to be the one who waves them off, sending them bravely into their next chapter.
The Comfort of Airport Pick-ups
Even more rewarding is picking up friends upon their return. Anyone who has endured a day of travel knows how draining it can be. The last thing you want after landing is to navigate a dimly lit parking lot, frantically searching for your car. (Or, in my case, clicking the remote a hundred times to locate a ‘lost’ vehicle!) That’s precisely why I’m happy to circle the terminals, patiently waiting to offer curbside service. The moment they step into the car, the real joy begins. Their initial trip reflections, fresh out of the gate, are always my favorite. These unedited, candid accounts allow them to process their experiences, and I cherish being the first person to hear them. If they’re weary or not yet ready to recount their adventures, I’m equally content to divert their minds with lighthearted chatter or crank up some favorite tunes. Finally, bringing them back to the comfort of their own “home sweet home,” a sight they’re usually overjoyed to see, completes the experience.
My appreciation for these airport rides largely stems from having experienced the other side myself. There’s a profound relief and gratitude that washes over you when a familiar face is waiting, ready to ease your journey. But truly, my greatest pleasure lies in being the chauffeur. So, here’s to many more travels for my friends, and many more opportunities for me to be along for the ride.
A Thoughtful Tradition: Crafting the Perfect Travel Snack
Beyond simply providing transportation, I’ve cultivated a small tradition over the years: bringing a thoughtful snack and drink for the traveler. This simple gesture aims to add a little comfort and ease to their journey, a small token of care amidst the hustle of travel. Sometimes, it’s as straightforward as a protein bar and a steaming cup of coffee. Other times, it might be a sandwich paired with a chilled sparkling water. And then, there are those occasions – like for a friend this past week – when it’s a tupperware filled with a homemade couscous dish, perfect for enjoying in the car or saving for a ready-to-go lunch the next day.
My friend was convinced I’d dedicated an unreasonable amount of time to prepare such a delicious meal. However, thanks to a fantastic shortcut from DeLallo, this flavorful couscous came together with just about five main ingredients and was ready in minutes. The result? Pure culinary delight, for both of us.
Unlocking Flavor with DeLallo Salad Savors: My Secret Ingredient
The secret weapon behind this quick and delicious meal is a product I’ve praised countless times before: DeLallo Salad Savors! These ingenious salad topping kits have been a refrigerator staple for me ever since I discovered them a few years ago. But their utility extends far beyond just enhancing salads. I frequently incorporate them into a variety of non-lettuce-based dishes, and they truly shine in recipes like this easy, seasonal couscous.
DeLallo Salad Savors are a game-changer for anyone looking to add gourmet flair and convenience to their cooking. Each kit contains perfectly portioned, high-quality ingredients – from premium nuts and dried fruits to artisanal cheeses – designed to elevate any dish. They eliminate the need for measuring out small quantities of various toppings, saving precious time and reducing food waste. This convenience makes healthy, flavorful cooking accessible even on the busiest days.
Crafting Your Perfect Couscous: A Simple Seasonal Delight
Creating this flavorful Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale, and Cranberry Couscous was incredibly straightforward. The process involved just a few simple steps:
- Roasting sweet, tender butternut squash.
- Finely chopping fresh kale.
- Cooking a batch of fluffy Israeli couscous.
- Then, the magic touch: stirring in the delightful components from the “Fresh” Salad Savors kit, which includes tangy goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy chopped walnuts.
For those who enjoy a different flavor profile, the “Vibrant” Salad Savors kit would also be an excellent choice, featuring a delectable combination of blue cheese, dried cherries, and pecans. Imagine the rich, savory notes complementing the sweetness of the squash – absolutely delicious!
After a generous drizzle of a bright, simple orange vinaigrette and a quick toss to combine all the ingredients…
…this vibrant, seasonal, fresh, healthy, and incredibly tasty couscous was ready to be enjoyed.
This dish truly embodies a win-win-win scenario. It served as a quick, satisfying dinner for me, provided delicious leftovers for the following day, and offered a warm, welcoming meal for my friend at the airport. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients, especially with a little help from DeLallo, can create truly memorable culinary experiences.
Print This Recipe
Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous
Rated 4.9 from 15 reviews
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous is quick and easy to make, and is delicious whether enjoyed hot or cold. It’s a perfect meal prep option or a healthy, satisfying dish for any time of day.
Ingredients
Couscous Salad Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup dry Israeli (pearl) couscous*, cooked in water according to package instructions
- 2 cups chopped kale leaves
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (from DeLallo Salad Savors)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (from DeLallo Salad Savors)
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (from DeLallo Salad Savors)
- Easy orange vinaigrette (recipe below)
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons DeLallo extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed orange juice
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
To Make The Couscous Salad:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned butternut squash in an even layer onto a parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and flip the squash pieces to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly browned at the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and transfer the roasted squash back to the large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked couscous, chopped kale, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese to the bowl with the butternut squash. Drizzle generously with the prepared orange vinaigrette. Toss all ingredients together until well combined.
- Serve warm immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. This salad is delicious both warm and cold, making it ideal for meal prep.
To Make The Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, DeLallo extra virgin olive oil, and freshly-squeezed orange juice until thoroughly combined. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
*You can easily substitute DeLallo organic couscous or any small DeLallo organic whole wheat pasta for the Israeli couscous. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
This post is sponsored by DeLallo. I have proudly partnered with them this year to bring you a variety of tasty new Italian dishes, and all opinions expressed are my own, as always. Your continued support for the brands who help make this site possible is greatly appreciated!