Couscous Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This couscous salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The fluffy couscous serves as the perfect base, soaking up the tangy lemon dressing, while the fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers add crunch and color. A touch of feta cheese (optional) brings in a creamy, salty bite, and fresh parsley adds an herbaceous finish. It’s an easy-to-make, light, and satisfying dish that works great as a main or side, especially for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup couscous
1 ¼ cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ yellow bell pepper, diced
¼ red onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

Medium saucepan
Fork
Knife and cutting board
Small bowl for dressing
Large mixing bowl

Directions

Prepare the Couscous:
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Fluff the Couscous:
After 5 minutes, uncover the pot and use a fork to fluff the couscous gently. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Chop the Vegetables:
While the couscous is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion.
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, chopped vegetables, chopped parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
Add the Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Chill:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick toss and it’s ready to be served!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese for a vegan version, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Other Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like olives, cucumbers, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This couscous salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer, it can also be eaten at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Yes, you can swap couscous for quinoa for a gluten-free version of this salad. Just follow the cooking instructions for quinoa.

2. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this couscous salad a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge, and it will allow the flavors to meld even further.

3. Can I make this salad without feta cheese?

Yes, you can omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.

4. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

5. What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth with water or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

6. How do I make this salad spicier?

For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the salad.

7. Can I add olives to this salad?

Yes, black or Kalamata olives would pair wonderfully with the vegetables and couscous in this salad.

8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can use dried parsley or other herbs like basil or mint, though fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.

9. Can I freeze this couscous salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the vegetables and couscous may lose their texture when thawed.

10. Can I add more dressing to the salad?

Absolutely! If you prefer a more tangy or rich flavor, feel free to add more dressing to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This Couscous Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its combination of fluffy couscous, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a flavorful and satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at your next gathering. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days when you want something healthy and delicious. Enjoy!