Hey y'all! If you're craving a vibrant, light, and seriously delicious dish that comes together in a snap, this Couscous Salad is about to become your new favorite. It's bursting with fresh veggies, zesty dressing, and fluffy couscous, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, or a refreshing lunch. The textures and flavors are just irresistible—crisp, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Couscous Salad
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Great for lunch, side, or a light main meal.
- Packed with nutrients: Full of veggies and whole grains for a healthy boost.
- Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies and herbs.
Ingredients for Couscous Salad
- 1 cup uncooked couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (juice from about ½ lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Directions: How to Make Couscous Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
- In a large heatproof bowl, stir together 1 cup couscous, 1 cup boiling water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 2: Chop and Mix the Veggies
- While couscous rests, dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Chop the parsley and crumble the feta.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, black pepper, and cumin (if using) in a small bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Couscous Salad
- Add the chopped veggies, parsley, and feta to the fluffed couscous.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, or chill for 15-30 minutes for best flavor.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Notes for Making the Best Couscous Salad
- For extra flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the couscous. Learn more about cooking couscous perfectly.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
- If making ahead, add the feta just before serving to keep it fresh.
Variations: Couscous Salad Twists
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Add kalamata olives and swap feta for goat cheese.
- Moroccan Couscous Salad: Add dried apricots, raisins, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and coriander.
- Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Required Equipment for Couscous Salad
- Large heatproof mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Small whisk or fork for dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Couscous Salad
Store leftover couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, keep the feta separate and add just before serving. Couscous salad is not freezer friendly as the veggies can become mushy after thawing.
Couscous Salad Serving Recommendations
- Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean spread.
- Enjoy as a light lunch on its own or as a flavorful side at a BBQ.
Pro Tips for Perfect Couscous Salad
- Always fluff the couscous with a fork for a light, non-sticky texture. Serious Eats explains the best technique.
- Use the freshest produce for the best crunch and flavor.
- For more tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar or extra lemon juice.
FAQ: Couscous Salad
- Can I make couscous salad gluten-free?
- Traditional couscous is wheat-based, but you can substitute with gluten-free quinoa or millet for a similar texture.
- How far in advance can I make this salad?
- You can prepare Couscous Salad up to a day ahead; just keep it chilled and add the cheese and herbs just before serving for peak freshness.
- Is couscous salad good for meal prep?
- Absolutely! Couscous salad keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
For more nutritional info on couscous, check out this comprehensive guide on Healthline.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
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2Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
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3Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the couscous.
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4In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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5Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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6Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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