Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad: 15 Easy Minutes

I remember making this salad last Saturday when the sun was finally hitting my kitchen windows. It was one of those perfect weekend lunches where you want something that tastes like a vacation but does not take all day to make. I grabbed some fresh lemons and vegetable broth because I love keeping the flavors bright and clean. I never use any alcohol or wine based ingredients in my cooking because I think the broth and citrus do a much better job of making the grains pop. My kitchen was a bit of a mess with cucumber slices everywhere but the result was so worth it. You are going to love how light and fresh this feels.

Why You Will Love This Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad is about to become your new favorite lunch because it is packed with fresh vegetables and only takes 20 minutes to throw together. I love how the crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mix with the soft grains. It is a total lifesaver when you are busy but still want to eat something that feels fancy and healthy. Plus it is so easy to customize with whatever you have in your fridge.

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

I like to keep my pantry stocked with these basics so I can whip this up whenever the craving hits. Here is what you will need to get started.

• One cup of couscous
• One and a quarter cups of vegetable broth for cooking the grains
• One can of chickpeas drained and rinsed for extra protein
• One large cucumber diced small
• A pint of cherry tomatoes cut in half
• Half of a red onion finely chopped
• A handful of fresh parsley chopped up
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Kalamata olives pitted and sliced

Choosing the Right Couscous

You have two main choices here and both are great. Pearl couscous which is also called Israeli couscous is larger and has a fun chewy texture like tiny pasta. Then you have the traditional Moroccan couscous which is very small and gets super fluffy. I usually go for the pearl version when I want a heartier salad but the smaller ones are perfect if you want something light. Just pick whichever one you like the look of better.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

First things first get that vegetable broth boiling in a small pot. Once it is bubbling pour in your couscous and then turn off the heat and cover it. If you are using pearl couscous you might need to simmer it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overcook it or it will get mushy and nobody wants that. While the grains are soaking up all that good broth flavor start chopping your vegetables. Get your cucumber and tomatoes and onion into a big bowl. Once the couscous is done fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a minute. Toss everything together in the big bowl and you are almost there.

Making the Zesty Lemon Dressing

This dressing is so simple but it brings everything to life. Grab a small jar or a bowl and whisk together some good olive oil and plenty of fresh lemon juice. Throw in a minced clove of garlic and a big pinch of dried oregano. I stay away from wine vinegars and just stick to the fresh lemon because it keeps the salad tasting so much crisper. Give it a good shake or a stir until it looks combined and then pour it right over your salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

One thing I learned the hard way is that you should let the couscous cool down a little bit before you throw in your fresh parsley and feta. If the grains are steaming hot they will wilt your herbs and melt your cheese into a blob. I usually spread the cooked couscous out on a plate for five minutes to let the steam escape. Also make sure you season with a little salt and pepper at the very end after you taste it because the olives and feta are already pretty salty.

Serving and Storage for Your Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

You can eat this right away but I honestly think it tastes even better the next day. All those juices from the tomatoes and the lemon dressing soak into the grains while it sits. Just put any leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for about three or four days which makes it the ultimate meal prep option for work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

I get asked a lot if you can add meat to this. Absolutely. You can toss in some grilled chicken or even some seasoned beef strips to make it even more filling. If you need to make this gluten free you can just swap the couscous for quinoa or even rice and follow the same steps. It will still taste amazing. It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days so feel free to make a big batch on Sunday night.

Nutritional Information for Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Here is a quick look at what is in each serving of this salad.

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 320mg

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