Go Back
couscous salad

couscous salad

Couscous salad, fresh and satisfying. Enjoy a simple Mediterranean recipe full of colors, flavor and nutrition for your daily meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole wheat couscous
  • 1.5 cup boiling water for cooking couscous
  • 0.5 unit cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup parsley chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 unit lemon juiced
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Place the couscous in a medium bowl. Pour boiling water over it, stir, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
  2. Fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
  3. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint to the couscous. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the salad and mix well.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Couscous salad is a classic choice for anyone seeking a light, refreshing, and quick-to-make meal that adapts beautifully to any occasion—the perfect answer to lazy lunches, potluck gatherings, or vibrant picnics. Its versatility means you can get creative with what’s on hand, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser with its medley of fresh flavors and colors.

Smart Tips for Perfect Couscous

  • Fluffy couscous is the goal: After adding boiling water, let the couscous soak undisturbed, then fluff it gently with a fork, never a spoon—this keeps the grains separate and light.
  • Use good quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the dressing, as they hugely impact the final taste. For even more zing, add a dash of lemon zest.
  • If you don’t have mint or parsley, try substituting with cilantro or fresh basil for a new twist.

Preparation and Serving Ideas

  • To enhance the salad’s texture, chop all vegetables to roughly the same size as the cooked couscous—this helps distribute flavors evenly in every bite.
  • Love a crunch? Toss in toasted nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts, just before serving.
  • If prepping ahead, reserve the dressing and herbs until serving—they keep everything vibrant and fresh.

Delicious Variations and Pairings

  • Mix in protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese to make your couscous salad a complete meal.
  • Pair with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or a simple hummus platter for a perfect Mediterranean spread.
  • Try adding raisins, pomegranate seeds, or diced dried apricots for unexpected sweet bursts.
With these simple tricks, your couscous salad can be adapted to fit any mood or gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment—fresh, seasonal ingredients are the secret to elevating this dish every time!