Our Favorite Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried Israeli couscous
also called pearl couscous
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
depending on taste
- 1 medium English cucumber
diced
- 1 large tomato
diced
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs; use any combination of fresh parsley
cilantro, basil, dill, or mint
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
toasted
- 1/4 cup raisins
we love golden raisins
Directions
- 1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain.
- 2
While the couscous cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the drained couscous to the dressing and mix well.
- 3
Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, walnuts and raisins. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
Our Favorite Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Looking for a refreshingly light dish that brings vibrant flavors and satisfying textures to your table? Our Favorite Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a versatile standout, perfect as a quick side or a delightful main.
This couscous salad truly shines with its incredible texture and bright, zesty profile. It combines tender Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, with crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, and a delightful crunch from toasted walnuts and chewy raisins, all brightened by a fresh lemon-herb dressing. The balance of ingredients ensures every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and sensations.
What to Expect from This Zesty Salad
You'll be treated to a symphony of textures in every bite, from the pearl-like chew of the couscous to the juicy burst of tomato and the satisfying snap of cucumber. The dressing, a harmonious blend of extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and plenty of fresh lemon, coats everything beautifully, infused with a mix of fragrant fresh herbs. This salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making it a truly refreshing and incredibly satisfying experience without feeling heavy.
This salad is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. For a heartier meal, you can easily top it with grilled chicken or shrimp, as it pairs beautifully with either. If you're looking for vegetarian options, adding some pan-seared tofu or chickpeas would be excellent. Feel free to adjust the fresh herbs to your liking, using any combination of parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, or mint. Don't have walnuts? Toasted pecans or slivered almonds would be a great substitute. If you're not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots could offer a similar sweet and chewy contrast.
Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner, this vibrant salad is excellent on its own, as a substantial side dish, or as a fresh accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.