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Couscous salad

couscous salad

Couscous salad brings mediterranean flavors and vibrant veggies to your table. A light, quick salad perfect for healthy eating every day.
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Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup chickpeas cooked, drained
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Place the couscous in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes until all water is absorbed.
  2. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, and parsley to the couscous.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and mix everything together gently.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 15-30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Notes

Couscous salad is cherished both for its delightful Mediterranean flavors and its remarkable adaptability. Perfect as a main or a side, this dish travels effortlessly from summer picnics to weeknight dinners, offering a refreshing option packed with texture and color.

Practical Tips & Ingredient Swaps

If you want fluffier couscous, always use a fork to separate the grains after steaming—never mash with a spoon. For an added flavor boost, replace boiling water with hot vegetable broth. Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for sun-dried tomatoes for deeper umami, while chickpeas can easily be replaced by cannellini beans or grilled chicken for a heartier version.

Preparation Insights

To take the salad up a notch, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t skip the olive oil: high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances every bite, so it’s worth using the best you have. Try adding ingredients like chopped fresh mint or basil for a layer of green freshness.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This couscous salad shines alongside grilled meats, falafel, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread. For a colorful lunchbox, toss in roasted vegetables or a spoonful of your favorite pesto. If you like a zesty tang, a splash of balsamic glaze on top just before serving can transform every mouthful.
Experiment, make it your own, and enjoy every forkful of this versatile Mediterranean favorite!