Name: Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ¾ cup couscous; 1 tbsp butter; ¾ cup water; 1 cup tomatoes; 1 cup cucumber; 1 bell pepper; ¼ cup red onion; ⅓ cup feta cheese; ⅓ cup flat leaf parsley; For The Dressing:; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 1½ tsp honey; 1 clove garlic; Salt & Pepper

This Mediterranean couscous salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Combining the nutty essence of couscous with vibrant vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it brings a delightful taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Photos of Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe, such as couscous, feta cheese, and red wine vinegar, may not be staples in every household. When shopping at the supermarket, look for couscous in the grain or pasta aisle, feta cheese in the dairy section, and red wine vinegar in the condiments or salad dressing aisle.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Couscous Salad

couscous: A type of pasta made from semolina flour, often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the couscous.

water: Essential for cooking the couscous.

tomatoes: Brings sweetness and acidity to the salad.

cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness.

bell pepper: Provides a sweet, subtle flavor and vibrant color.

red onion: Offers a sharp, pungent taste that balances the salad.

feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

flat leaf parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.

olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, giving it a smooth, rich flavor.

red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and tang to the dressing.

lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty flavor to the dressing.

honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice with a touch of sweetness.

garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth to the dressing.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the seasoning.

One reader, Cinderella Nowak says:

This Mediterranean couscous salad is a delightful burst of flavors! The fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and creamy feta blend perfectly. It's quick to make and a hit at gatherings. Highly recommend!

Cinderella Nowak

Techniques for Perfect Mediterranean Couscous Salad

How to cook couscous: Bring water, butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add couscous, stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes. How to make dressing: Place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine. How to fluff couscous: Place couscous in a large bowl and use a fork to fluff it, ensuring it cools completely. How to chop vegetables: Dice tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. How to crumble feta cheese: Use your hands or a fork to break the feta cheese into small crumbles. How to chop parsley: Finely chop the flat leaf parsley before adding it to the salad.

How To Make Mediterranean Couscous Salad

If you want a meatless dish, try this Mediterranean couscous salad made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers then sprinkled with herbs and cheese.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupcouscous
1tbspbutter
¾cupwater
1cuptomatoes
1cupcucumber ,sliced
1bell pepper ,chopped
¼cupred onion,thinly sliced
⅓cupfeta cheese,crumbled
⅓cupflat leaf parsley,chopped

For the dressing:

3tbspolive oil
2tbspred wine vinegar
1tbspFresh Lemon Juice
1½tsphoney
1clovegarlic,minced
salt & pepper ,to taste

Instructions

Bring water, butter, and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add couscous, stir and cover. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to combine.
Place couscous in a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Allow to cool completely.
Add remaining salad ingredients and dressing. Toss to combine and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 729.97kcal
Fat: 45.54g
Saturated Fat: 25.78g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.24g
Carbohydrates: 53.41g
Fiber: 5.74g
Sugar: 17.91g
Protein: 28.26g
Cholesterol: 141.13mg
Sodium: 1394.75mg
Calcium: 805.43mg
Potassium: 609.59mg
Iron: 2.39mg
Vitamin A: 296.48µg
Vitamin C: 64.07mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Mediterranean Couscous Salad

To ensure your couscous is perfectly fluffy, use a fork to gently separate the grains after it has absorbed the water and cooled. This prevents clumping and gives your salad a light, airy texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use instant couscous: Opt for instant couscous which cooks faster, saving you valuable time.

Make dressing ahead: Prepare the dressing a day before and keep it in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

Batch cook: Cook a larger batch of couscous and use it for multiple meals throughout the week.

Use pre-crumbled feta: Save time by buying pre-crumbled feta cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.

Substitute Ingredients For Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

couscous - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa has a similar texture and is also a good source of protein and fiber.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar richness and is a healthier fat option.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor to the grains.
tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and add a burst of flavor.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and mild flavor.
bell pepper - Substitute with roasted red pepper: Roasted red peppers add a smoky flavor and soft texture.
red onion - Substitute with green onion: Green onions have a milder taste and add a fresh flavor.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and neutral taste.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and a slightly fruity flavor.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and fresh citrus flavor.
honey - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup has a similar sweetness and is a good vegan alternative.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor similar to garlic.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.

Presenting Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Use a shallow, wide bowl: Choose a pristine white, shallow bowl to allow the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean couscous salad to pop against the backdrop.
Layer the couscous first: Spread a thin, even layer of the couscous at the base of the bowl, ensuring it is fluffed and cooled completely.
Arrange vegetables artfully: Place the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper in a circular pattern around the edge of the bowl, alternating colors for visual appeal.
Add a central mound of couscous: Create a small mound of couscous in the center of the bowl to add height and dimension to the presentation.
Sprinkle with feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the top, allowing some to fall naturally onto the vegetables and couscous.
Garnish with parsley: Finely chop the flat leaf parsley and sprinkle it generously over the entire dish for a fresh, green contrast.
Drizzle the dressing: Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, ensuring it is evenly distributed without overwhelming the ingredients.
Add a lemon twist: Place a thin twist of lemon on the side of the bowl for an elegant touch and a hint of citrus aroma.
Finish with a touch of olive oil: Add a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors and give the salad a glossy finish.

Essential Tools for Making Couscous Salad

Saucepan: Used to bring water, butter, and salt to a boil for cooking the couscous.
Lid: To cover the saucepan after adding the couscous, allowing it to steam.
Jar: For combining and shaking the dressing ingredients.
Fork: To fluff the couscous once it has cooled.
Large bowl: To mix the couscous with the salad ingredients and dressing.
Cutting board: For chopping the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
Chef's knife: To finely chop the vegetables and parsley.
Measuring cups: To measure the couscous, water, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
Measuring spoons: To measure the butter, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings.
Garlic press: To mince the garlic clove for the dressing.
Salad tongs: To toss the salad ingredients and dressing together.

Storing and Freezing Mediterranean Couscous Salad

To store leftover mediterranean couscous salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, cook the couscous and store it separately from the chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and dressing. Combine all the ingredients just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the couscous salad, but keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve the frozen couscous salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If the salad seems dry, add a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Toss well before serving.
If you prefer to keep the vegetables crisp, you can freeze the cooked couscous separately and add the fresh chopped vegetables and dressing after thawing. This way, you'll have a freshly prepared salad with minimal effort.

Interesting Fact About Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A random fact about this recipe is that couscous is a staple food in many North African countries and is traditionally made from steamed semolina wheat.

Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Couscous Salad

The Mediterranean couscous salad is quite cost-effective. The main ingredients like couscous, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper are affordable and readily available. The feta cheese and olive oil might be slightly pricier, but they are used in small quantities. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Mediterranean Couscous Salad Healthy?

The Mediterranean couscous salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. The inclusion of couscous provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The feta cheese adds a touch of protein and calcium to the dish, and the parsley provides additional flavor and nutrients. The dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and garlic, is a healthier alternative to creamy, high-calorie dressings.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the proportion of vegetables to couscous to boost the fiber content and lower the overall calorie density of the dish
Opt for whole wheat couscous to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
Experiment with different vegetables, such as roasted eggplant, zucchini, or artichokes, to vary the texture and flavor profile
Reduce the amount of feta cheese or replace it with a lower-fat alternative, such as crumbled goat cheese or tofu feta, to decrease the saturated fat content
Use a light hand when dressing the salad to keep the calorie count in check, and consider adding more lemon juice for a brighter, tangier flavor without the need for additional oil

Editor's Take on This Delightful Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean couscous salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The couscous provides a light, fluffy base, while the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper add a refreshing crunch. The feta cheese and parsley introduce a savory and aromatic element. The dressing, with its balance of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and honey, ties everything together with a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet notes. It's a versatile dish, ideal for a light lunch or a side at dinner, and it showcases the essence of Mediterranean cuisine beautifully.

Enhance Your Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. The smoky char from the grill adds a delightful contrast to the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean Couscous Salad.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasted Vegetable Medley: A colorful array of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, roasted to perfection with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. The caramelized edges and tender insides make for a perfect complement to the couscous salad.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks brushed with a garlic butter glaze and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra dressing from the couscous salad.

Stuffed Grape Leaves: Stuffed Grape Leaves: Delicate grape leaves filled with a savory mixture of rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. These little parcels of flavor bring a traditional Mediterranean touch to your meal.

Baklava: Baklava: End your meal on a sweet note with layers of crispy phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey syrup. This classic dessert offers a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fresh and tangy couscous salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad: Dive into a vibrant mix of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Tabbouleh: Experience the fresh and tangy flavors of tabbouleh, a classic Middle Eastern salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Dressed with a simple lemon juice and olive oil mixture.

Caprese Salad: Indulge in the simplicity of Caprese salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil for a classic Italian delight.

Chickpea Salad: Savor the hearty goodness of chickpea salad, combining chickpeas, red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley. A tangy lemon-tahini dressing ties it all together for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Lentil Salad: Enjoy a protein-packed lentil salad with green lentils, carrots, celery, red onions, and parsley. A dijon mustard vinaigrette adds a flavorful punch to this wholesome dish.

Why trust this Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe:

This Mediterranean couscous salad recipe is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing. The couscous is light and fluffy, providing a great base for the crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell pepper. The feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element, while the parsley brings a burst of freshness. The dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice ties everything together beautifully. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious, healthy meal.

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FAQ:

How can I make this salad vegan?

You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative. Everything else in the recipe is already plant-based.

Can I use a different type of grain instead of couscous?

Absolutely! You can substitute couscous with quinoa, bulgur, or even farro. Just follow the cooking instructions for whichever grain you choose.

How long will this salad keep in the fridge?

This salad will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp to make it more filling. Just cook your protein of choice and toss it in with the rest of the salad.

What can I use if I don't have red wine vinegar?

If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still taste great.