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Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

The ultimate summer salad, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. This easy weeknight dish combines tender couscous with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next gathering. Make it tonight for a refreshing treat!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads, Side Dishes
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 6 ounces Couscous
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 1 pint Grape tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup English cucumber diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced
  • ½ cup Roasted red peppers thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Bell pepper diced (red, yellow, or orange)
  • ¼ cup Red onion finely minced
  • ¼ cup Feta cheese optional, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • ¼ cup Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes more or less to taste
  • ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh mint minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley minced

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting Board
  • Whisk
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rapid boil. Once boiling, stir the couscous into the boiling broth and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and fluffy. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. While the couscous is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes together. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until a thickened dressing forms.
  3. Once the couscous is cooled, add the lemon dressing, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, peppers, and gently stir to distribute among the salad. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  4. Transfer the couscous mixture to a storage container and cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to cool. When ready to serve, fluff with a fork, add the feta, parsley, and mint and toss to combine.

Notes

  • Storage: Couscous salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the salad appears dry after refrigeration, drizzle with olive oil and fluff with a fork.
  • Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings as desired. Omit the cheese for a dairy-free couscous salad.