Description
A refreshing Mediterranean couscous salad featuring fluffy Moroccan couscous, vibrant fresh vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, dinner side, or meal prep option. Bursting with flavor and easy to customize, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad
• 1 cup Moroccan couscous, cooked and cooled
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley and mint, chopped
Lemon Vinaigrette
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Couscous: Follow package instructions for the Moroccan couscous. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives and chop the fresh parsley and mint.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled couscous with the prepared vegetables, olives, and herbs.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently until well combined. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Customizations: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or switch feta with goat cheese for a twist.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors deepen as it sits!
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: Cook couscous and chop vegetables ahead of time. Assemble and dress just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook (after couscous is prepared)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean couscous salad, couscous recipes, vegetarian salad, quick and easy Mediterranean dishes