Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
Pearl or Moroccan style, uncooked
- 1 cup cucumber
diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
halved
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
crumbled
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano and salt and pepper.
- 2
Cook the couscous according to package directions, then place in a colander and run cold water over it to cool it down.
Couscous Salad
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that's incredibly easy to make? This Mediterranean couscous salad brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. You'll love how quickly this fresh, colorful salad comes together.
What sets this Mediterranean couscous salad apart is its perfect harmony of textures and the vibrant, homemade dressing that ties everything together. The hearty pearl couscous provides a satisfying, subtly chewy base, perfectly complemented by the crispness of fresh cucumber and the pop of juicy cherry tomatoes. This careful balance, combined with the tangy feta and savory kalamata olives, creates a dish that feels both comforting and invigorating.
When you take a bite, you'll be transported to the sunny Mediterranean. Expect a delightful interplay of tender, plump couscous with the refreshing crunch of diced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes. The subtle bite of minced red onion and the salty, briny notes from kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese add layers of complex flavor. Everything is beautifully unified by a zesty, herbaceous dressing, bright with lemon juice and red wine vinegar, and subtly enhanced by Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This salad is not just fresh and colorful; it's a remarkably balanced dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
Feel free to personalize this couscous salad to your taste. You could swap the chickpeas for white beans or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier main course. For a vegan option, simply omit the feta cheese. If you're not a fan of olives, try sun-dried tomatoes or capers for a similar briny kick.
This versatile couscous salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats and seafood. Serve it chilled, garnished with a little extra fresh parsley, for a refreshing addition to your table.