Salads > Grain & Legume Salads > Couscous Salads > Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

Bright & Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish. It's packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing, making it a healthy and delicious option. The couscous provides a fluffy base, while the other ingredients add textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. Enjoy!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings
4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Couscous
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth or Water
  • 1/2 cup Cucumber
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Black Pepper

Prepare the Couscous

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, then remove from heat. Cover and let it stand for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the couscous is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

  • Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of olive oil or use a low-fat feta cheese. To increase the protein content, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

← Black Bean and Corn Quinoa Salad Bright and Refreshing Chickpea Salad with Herbs and Lemon →

FAQ

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

    Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors will actually meld together even more. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Can I add other vegetables?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

    If you don't like feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or mozzarella.
  • Can I add protein?

    Yes! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans are great additions to boost the protein content.
  • Is this salad gluten-free?

    Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free couscous made from corn or rice to make this salad gluten-free.