Couscous recipe conundrum

I'm having quite the couscous conundrum and need your help. A co-worker passed along a fabulous recipe "Couscous Salad with Dried Cherries".  The hubby and I really like it, but the kids aren't a fan of the balsamic vinegar/dijon mustard combination.  Besides the fact that it tastes good, I love that it is easy to make and after feeding the family there is plenty left for lunch the next day so I am on the search for an alternative that will still be satisfying to me and also get the kids to enjoy (aka eat) it too.


Take a look at the recipe.  What would you recommend for a 'dressing' instead of the balsamic/dijon combo? I bought a few different types of salad dressings to try - but I wanted to seek out answers from my trusty friends too.


Here's the recipe (from allrecipes.com):

If this recipe inspires you, here are my suggestions:

1) DOUBLE IT!!! One box of couscous will double the recipe, so it's a no brainer to use 1 box and just add more veggies and liquids. The other bonus about doubling it is that then you can use the full can of chicken broth and add a little extra H20 to equal 2 cups of fluids to boil the couscous in.

2)  I don't like the dried cherry flavor, but my kids do so I leave it in for them. It may be the fact that I bought cherry flavored craisins and the altered sweet taste was to much for me.  Other reviewers suggested using regular craisins.

3) Omit the pine nuts - to expensive - nuf said.  I did sprinkle on some sunflower seeds the first time and they were tasty.

4) If you can, make this ahead of time. No biggie if you can't, it's still yummy right after it's been prepared, but it seemed to be a little bit more blended the next day for lunch.

5) Extra bonus - no oven!  You do bring the chicken broth/H20 to a boil but that's it so you don't end up with a hot kitchen which is super nice this time of year.

So, if you do make this and come up with an alternative dressing for it, please let me know!!! Thanks! Bon Appetit!