Description
A bright and nourishing salad featuring chewy couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Israeli (pearl) couscous
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, chickpeas
Instructions
- Toast the couscous: In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the couscous for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Cook the couscous: Add the vegetable broth or water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package directions (8–10 minutes) until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until glossy.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, mint, and feta (if using). Pour the dressing over and toss gently.
- Rest and marry flavors: Let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Finish and serve: Give it a final toss, add extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, swap couscous for quinoa or millet. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: couscous salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, quick salad, vegetarian meal