Couscous salad classic dish

October 25, 2025

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couscous salad

Couscous salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors. Light, nutritious, and ready fast—perfect for busy days with healthy cravings!

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Total Time 21

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup couscous whole wheat if possible
1 cup boiling water
0.5 unit cucumber diced
1 unit red bell pepper diced
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
0.25 cup parsley fresh, chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method

Place couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over it and cover for 5 minutes to absorb.
Fluff the couscous with a fork until separated.
Add cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the couscous. Mix well.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper.
Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a fresher taste.

Notes

Looking for a light, flavorful, and quick-to-prepare dish? This couscous salad stands out for its fresh ingredients and its incredible versatility. Whether served chilled as a summer lunch or as a vibrant side for grilled dishes, it adapts to any table and culinary mood.

Tips for Fluffier Couscous

After pouring boiling water over your couscous, let it sit covered to fully absorb the moisture. For best texture, fluff it gently with a fork rather than stirring—this prevents clumping and keeps the grains separate.

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations

Don’t have cherry tomatoes? Diced Roma or grape tomatoes work just as well. For extra protein, toss in chickpeas or crumbled feta cheese. If you want more flavor, try adding olives or a dash of cumin.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This salad excels as a standalone meal, but it also shines next to roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a picnic, pack it in a lidded container and drizzle a bit more olive oil before serving to keep it moist and fresh.

Make-Ahead and Storage Advice

Prepare the salad up to a day in advance; flavors will meld and improve. Just keep it refrigerated, and consider adding delicate herbs like parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

With its colorful ingredients and quick prep, this couscous salad is a brilliant go-to for weeknight dinners or potlucks—easy, customizable, and always satisfying.

Tagged:healthy mediterranean diet recipe

Mileni Sabatini

Milena is a passionate home cook who finds joy in turning simple ingredients into wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meals. Writing on the blog lets her share not just recipes, but her love for balance and everyday wellness.

Couscous salad classic dish